Former Taupō mayor David Trewavas — who served the district for 24 years — has died aged 63.
Trewavas had six terms on the Taupō District Council, two as a councillor and four as Mayor, from 2013 to 2025.
At Taupō District Council’s meeting this morning, Mayor John Funnell began by announcing he had “some sad news to pass” and had councillors in attendance stand up.
“I want to acknowledge the passing of our former Taupō district mayor David James Trewavas overnight.
“While we haven’t had a formal statement from his family, we feel it is appropriate that we acknowledge David’s 24 years of service to our district and his passing.
“We are awaiting direction from his family, on how they wish for us to honour David,” he said.
He then led the group in a minute of silence for their friend and former colleague.
"This will come as a shock to many people, including the staff in the council building, and the whole town.”
"David was well-loved, and well-respected," he concluded, before saying they would carry on with the meeting the best they could following the sad news.
Taupō District Council chief executive Julie Gardyne said Trewavas' self-deprecating humour, outgoing personality and "genuine liking for people were a real asset to him in his role as Mayor".
“He had a great way of breaking the ice with others. He built connections everywhere he went," she said.
The Council extended "sincere condolences to David’s wife Anna, his daughters, and his former council and business colleagues".
Before politics, his previous careers include being a stock agent, chief executive of King Country Rugby Union for a while and 40 years in retail, according to Taupō News.
Trewavas also underwent a kidney transplant in 2019, with his wife Anna donating one of hers.
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