One of Rodney District's longest serving leaders, former county chairman and the district's first mayor Sir Gordon Mason, died this morning.
Gordon Charles Mason was elected to the then Rodney County Council in 1960. He was deputy chairman from 1963 to 1973 and chairman from 1973 to 1989.
In 1989 he was elected as the new Rodney District's first mayor after local government reorganisation and served until his retirement from local politics in 1992.
The district's current mayor, Penny Webster, said she was saddened to learn of Sir Gordon's death.
"I had a lot to do with Sir Gordon both within politics and outside of it," she said.
"I consider Sir Gordon and his wife Tui to be personal friends and I find this news very hard to take."
Mrs Webster said Sir Gordon would be remembered for his absolute commitment to Rodney.
"I doubt that anybody will have served this district better and certainly none longer. He had a drive and a passion and a vision that we still benefit from today."
Sir Gordon died this morning after a long illness. He is survived by Lady Tui and three children.
Mrs Webster said council offices would fly the New Zealand flag at half mast on the day of Sir Gordon's funeral, expected to be this Friday.
