Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa mourn the sudden passing of Councillor Adrienne Staples

Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Councillor Adrienne Staples, a respected colleague, community leader, former four-term Mayor of South Wairarapa, and Deputy Chair of Greater Wellington.

Adrienne served her communities with integrity, warmth, and a steadfast commitment to the people and places she cared for. Her leadership extended across local government and the rural sector, where she was a strong, practical advocate for farmers, landowners and rural communities throughout the Wairarapa.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter said Adrienne’s contribution to regional leadership and public service was significant and enduring.

“Adrienne brought a clear rural perspective to the council table, grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our regions,” Cr Ponter said. 

“She was generous with her time, thoughtful in her advice, and unwavering in her commitment to serving her community. She will be greatly missed around the council table by her fellow Councillors, by iwi and fellow champions of the rural sector. Our region has lost a strong voice and personally I have lost a good friend,” added Cr Ponter.

Greater Wellington Chief Executive Nigel Corry acknowledged Adrienne’s leadership and the respect she had across the organisation.

“Adrienne was a principled leader who worked constructively with elected members and staff alike,” Mr Corry said. 

“Her focus on practical outcomes—particularly for rural communities—helped shape better decisions for the region. On behalf of Greater Wellington and all its staff, I extend our deepest condolences to Don her husband, her whānau, her friends and loved ones,” added Mr Corry.

Adrienne previously served as four-term Mayor of South Wairarapa, where she was known for her decisive leadership and advocacy for the district, the rural economy, and way of life. Her commitment to rural communities was a defining feature of her public service, and she remained a strong and trusted voice throughout her career.

Mayor of South Wairarapa Fran Wilde paid tribute to Adrienne’s legacy and service.

“Adrienne cared deeply about South Wairarapa and it’s neighbouring districts and the people who call them home,” Mayor Wilde said. 

“She understood our communities and championed them with unwavering courage and compassion. Her leadership has left a lasting mark on the Wairarapa, and she will be remembered with great respect and admiration. 

“Her legacy includes the redevelopment of Greytown's historic town hall, Martinborough’s Waihinga Centre, and the formation of the Cross Creek to Featherston cycle trail. 

“Today the thoughts of the community and the Council are with Don and the whānau. In future we will continue to remember her life of service and her joy at living in this special place,” added Mayor Wilde.

Adrienne was recognised regionally, nationally and internationally for her work. She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to local government, and was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government, in recognition of her promotion of Japanese–New Zealand friendship and mutual understanding.

A by-election for Greater Wellington’s Wairarapa seat will be communicated in the coming weeks but for now the regional council asks that people remember and acknowledge Adrienne for her service, her leadership, and her enduring commitment to the communities of Wairarapa and the wider Wellington Region. 

Funeral arrangements will be communicated by Adrienne’s family.