Former Dunedin Mayor and current city councillor Jules Radich has died.
Radich served a term as a city councillor between 2019 and 2022, and served as mayor between 2022 and 2025 before being reelected as a city councillor.
Current Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said she was "shocked and saddened by the sudden passing".
"Jules was a much appreciated, valued and dedicated member of our council who I deeply admired for his service to our community."
She said Radich's mayoralty would be remembered for his dedication to the Southern Hospital.
"Under his leadership the city held a protest march, the nurses’ petition was presented at Parliament, and ‘Cliff’ the ambulance drummed up support from around the region.
"The end result – that all eleven floors of the inpatients building are being built on the former Cadbury site as promised – is due in no small measure to Jules’s tireless advocacy."
She said Radich's dedication to Dunedin was immense and he always had the city's best interests at heart.
"He will be remembered for his many and varied contributions to our city, including to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, the Dunedin Art Society and the business community."
As Radich was a sitting councillor, Barker said a by-election would be triggered, with details to follow next week.
"For now, our thoughts, deepest love and sympathies are with Jules's family and friends, and the city’s flags fly at half mast in honour of a respected colleague, leader and friend."
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