Leo McKendry

Leo Francis McKendry (born 1934)[1] is a former local politician in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. He was the 31st and last Mayor of Blenheim (1986–1989), and the 1st Mayor of Marlborough (1989–1995).

Political career

McKendry first became a councillor for Blenheim Borough in 1980, serving for one 3-year term. In the 1986 local election, he was elected Mayor of Marlborough.[2] He was the 31st and last holder of that position, as the 1989 local government reforms resulted in the amalgamation of Blenheim Borough with Picton Borough and Marlborough County Council to form Marlborough District.[3]

McKendry then became the first Mayor of Marlborough and served for two terms (1989–1995).[3] Early in the campaign for the 2010 local election, he stated that past mayors should not stand again as councillors, saying, "I've just always believed it was an unwritten rule once you were defeated or retired, it was time to go completely".[2] Subsequently, Liz Davidson, Gerald Hope, and Tom Harrison, the three mayors who succeeded him, all failed to get re-elected as councillors.[2]

Other activities

In 1962, McKendry competed in the Mobilgas Economy Run, a car race from Nelson to Dunedin. He came in third in the 900 cc category.[4] In 2006, he competed in a similar competition, the AA ENERGYWISE Rally, from Auckland to Wellington and return over four days.[5]

McKendry was the principal of a car dealership in Blenheim.[6] He holds or has held positions on several bodies, including council member of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology,[7] trustee of the Marlborough Regional Development Trust,[8] and trustee of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust.[9]

McKendry was an editorial team member responsible for "steering the project" on the production of a history for the 150th anniversary of Marlborough.[10][11] McKendry Park in Blenheim, a former plum orchard in the Blenheim suburb of Springlands, is named in his honor.[12]

McKendry keeps himself fit through playing golf. Age Concern New Zealand has profiled him as an example of older people living a healthy lifestyle.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Index Auckland: Local history, arts and music". Auckland Council. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Connell, Claire (12 October 2010). "Rates, sewerage, car park factors". The Marlborough Express. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  3. 1 2 Brooks, Cynthia (2011). Marlborough celebrating 150 years. Blenheim: Marlborough District Council. p. 494. ISBN 1927159024.
  4. ↑ "Mobilgas Economy Run". Nelson Photo News. 28 April 1962. p. 5. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  5. ↑ "Star line-up of drivers in next weeks AA ENERGYWISE Rally". New Zealand Automobile Association. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  6. 1 2 "Profile: Leo McKendry". Age Concern New Zealand. 11 June 2007. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  7. ↑ "2009 Annual Report" (PDF). Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. 2010. pp. 2, 19, xxv–xxvi. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  8. ↑ Smale, Tony (wrong date stated (1 January 1970)). "New Trustee broaden MRDT network" (Press release). Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ↑ Bell, Cathie (11 September 2012). "Sparks fly over boss' pay". The Marlborough Express. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "Deadline for input on 150th book". The Marlborough Express. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  11. ↑ "Celebrating 150 years". The Marlborough Express. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  12. ↑ Jones, Jessica. "Claire and Chris - Engaged!". Jessica Jones. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
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