Veteran Dunedin broadcaster dies

Dunedin broadcaster and city councillor Neil Collins died last night after an illness.

Mr Collins (77) began his career as a 17-year-old volunteer at 4XD in 1958.

He was involved in 16 radiothons, eight telethons and two Miss New Zealand shows, and presented television weather and news.

Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin in 2015. Photo: ODT files
Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin in 2015. Photo: ODT files
Mr Collins interviewed everyone from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Sir Edmund Hillary.

He was elected to the Dunedin City Council in 1989, and served as a councillor for 23 years.

His last day at the microphone was in 2015, and included a conversation with then Prime Minister John Key, friends and colleagues.

Mr Collins said at the time it had been a privilege to work for so long in broadcasting.

"If there was a highlight it has to be meeting people I thought in my life I would never, ever have the chance to meet.

Neil Collins on a University of Otago float in the late 1960s. Photo: Supplied
Neil Collins on a University of Otago float in the late 1960s. Photo: Supplied

"In that category I would have to put people like Louis Armstrong - just being with him and spending a day or two.

Neil Collins (front) fronting the Otago Southland studio component of the 1978 Telethon. Photo:...
Neil Collins (front) fronting the Otago Southland studio component of the 1978 Telethon. Photo: Supplied
"Johnny Cash - I've always liked Johnny Cash and he came in, and I drove him to the airport in my car.

"People like that - and yes, I was a decoy for The Beatles when they came to town - those sort of instances, when you look back in your life, you think 'gosh, I was very fortunate'.''

Comments

RIP NEIL GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

RIP Neil, it was always awesome listening to you as child growing up in cold Dunedin in front of the electric heater, thank you for the service and fond memories you have provided. RIP

An absolute Dunedin icon....Rest in peace, Mr Collins.

Bus signage did not say 'Kneels on request'.

It said 'Neil Collins plays requests'. The man who invented the Dunedin radio sound.

 

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