Many tributes have flowed since the sudden death last week of Paekākāariki’s Rosemary Barrington.
In a moving ceremony conducted by the Very Rev John Murray at Old St Paul’s, stories were told of the very many facets of Rosemary’s full and colourful life.
Friends and family came to farewell this remarkable woman who had achieved in so many fields – academic, political, social justice, feminist politics, student politics, as well as her love of family and community.
Last week Kāpiti mayor Jenny Rowan said Ms Barrington’s death would be deeply felt throughout the community.
“Rosemary made an extraordinary contribution to the public roles she held and had so much more to contribute. Her untimely death has stunned all of us and our thoughts are with her family.”
Regional Councillor Nigel Wilson said like so many in Kāpiti and throughout the Greater Wellington Region, he was very saddened to hear of the death of Rosemary Barrington last week.
“My initial dealings with Rosemary were in her role as a Paekākāariki Community Board member where she was making a huge contribution to her local community. Rosemary was very much of the firm but fair school of thought which made her very effective.
“Rosemary led a very full life and was seldom not involved in putting something right. She served at Victoria University in a variety of roles that went from student radical in the 60s to being the university Chancellor. Many of the gains made at the university for students came as a direct result of Rosemary’s activities.
Rosemary also had a notable career in local government, serving as a group manager at Hutt City Council, general manager at Wellington City Council and chief executive at Horowhenua Council.”
Mr Wilson said Rosemary was an energetic, vibrant and keenly intelligent woman who will be greatly missed.
