A former Queenstown Lakes representative is being remembered as a man with great mana after his death on Monday (November 29).

Ross McRobie died overnight and the flag at the Waitaki District Council is flying at half mast as a sign of respect for the Ahuriri ward councillor.

Ross had spent much of the past week with his wife Petrea and his two children, Emma and James, at his side.

Waitaki District Council said Ross’s cancer diagnosis had been made just a couple of months ago and treatment began three weeks ago.

“Although Ross stayed optimistic, the extensive nature of the cancers in his body meant that the treatment was too little, too late,” the council said in a statement.

Before their move to Otematata in 2019 Ross and Petrea lived in Wānaka for more than a decade, during which he served as both a Wānaka Community Board member and later a Queenstown Lakes councillor.

Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult paid tribute to Ross as a hard-working public servant and a much respected individual.

“He was a shining star in our previous council – honest, frank, not afraid to speak his mind and very committed to the best interests of the district,” Jim said.

“Very deservedly, Ross will be remembered as a man of great mana. He was an excellent councillor and a very good friend. I will miss his positive outlook and enthusiasm for life greatly.”

During his time at QLDC, Ross worked on many committees but it was his work as chair of the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan steering group that he was most proud of. 

Jim said on leaving council Ross had said the work of the steering group was his biggest achievement and it would be transformational for the district and its residents.

Wānaka-based councillor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App he was saddened to learn of Ross’s death and he would remember him fondly.

“I was privileged to serve with Ross last term and enjoyed the regular drives over the Crown Range; the long talks that allowed. He was always thoughtful and generous with his time. 

“His dedication to community service is self-evident and he will be sorely missed by the Wānaka Community and his community in the Waitaki.”

Outside local government, Ross was a chartered accountant for more than 30 years, an accredited chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and a business coach and mentor. 

He held a number of governance roles with organisations including the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand on Air, Snow Sports NZ and Warbirds over Wānaka and he was a previous chair of Lake Wānaka Tourism, Wānaka Wastebusters and Otago Community Trust.

In his brief time with Waitaki District Council he had made a strong mark, mayor Gary Kircher said.

“Ross was a very outgoing person and an awesome Councillor for the Ahuriri Ward and the Waitaki district. 

“I know that my fellow elected members and the many staff who knew Ross will truly miss his analytical decision-making, his energetic personality and the great banter he brought with him.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App