The death of former Kawerau mayor and Bay of Plenty regional councillor Malcolm Campbell has been met with a flood of tributes to a man who fought tirelessly to improve lives in his community.

Campbell’s successor as mayor of Kawerau, Faylene Tunui, paid tribute to him as “a mentor, friend, neighbour, and as one of the true legends of Kawerau”.

“The community of Kawerau knows Malcolm well, because he was one of us,” Tunui said.

“Many of Malcolm’s colleagues remember his fighting spirit. Wherever he went, he’d go in to bat for Kawerau and watch out if anyone tried to talk down to our community.

“He had a determined vision for the district to grow and thrive, evident with the multiple housing developments that council has progressed, including the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village.

“Malcolm also had a gentle side, taking pride in his tenderness for his wife, his children, and his mokopuna – grandchildren.

She said he had been proud of how council and staff served the Kawerau community.

“As much as he would give his colleagues or apprentices a rev up, he was also known to quietly guide them, letting them know, through that cheeky smile, when he was proud of what they’d done.”

Campbell died on Thursday, aged 73, after a short illness.

For 47 years, he ran Campbell’s Butchery, a family business started by an uncle in the 1950s.

“Through his work, he knew hundreds, if not thousands, of locals by name, Tunui said.

“People knew they could call in to Campbell’s Butchery for a good cut and a good yarn. Malcolm gave his time to everyone, no matter who they were. He was always willing to assist, advocate or connect people to others who could help.”

Campbell was elected to Kawerau District Council in 1995, serving 27 years, including one term as deputy mayor to the late Lyn Hartley, followed by seven terms as mayor.

Campbell was in his second term as the Eastern Bay constituency regional councillor, having been elected to the position on stepping down as Kawerau mayor in 2022.

On being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to local government and the community in 2023, he said he felt grateful to all those who had supported him.

“It’s quite humbling to be honest,” he told Local Democracy Reporting at the time.

He was renowned for his strong work ethic, forthright manner and never being afraid to give his honest opinion.

During his time as mayor, he drove efforts to improve the town’s economic performance, leaving behind him a district that punches well above its weight in industry.

He led initiatives such as the Industrial Sympiosis Kawerau project and fostered collaboration between the council, industry, landowners and iwi.

He served on an endless string of committees, through his local government roles and through his involvement in jet boating, trail riding and his children’s school and sporting activities.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairwoman Matemoana McDonald described him as one of local government’s “great characters, a tireless advocate for his community and a man whose wisdom, pragmatism and compassion touched countless lives across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“Malcolm belonged to a generation of local government leaders who believed relationships mattered. He built strong connections across communities, iwi, business and Central Government, always with the goal of improving outcomes for the people of Kawerau and the wider Eastern Bay.

“Malcolm combined toughness with genuine care and empathy. He could be forthright and incredibly sharp, but underneath was a huge heart.

“Malcolm cared deeply about people. He was always there for those doing it tough and he never forgot where he came from or who he represented.”

Whakatāne Mayor Nandor Tanczos extended condolences to the family on behalf of Whakatāne district.

He described Campbell’s contribution to Kawerau as “extraordinary” and his commitment to local government, public service and community as “remarkable”.

“That level of dedication spans generations and reflects both the trust placed in him by the people of Kawerau and the steadfast leadership he provided in return.

“His legacy is one of persistence, practicality, and a connection to the people he served.”

A service will be held in the Kawerau Town Hall, today at 11am followed by a private cremation.