Former Labour MP and North Shore councillor Jenny Kirk dies aged 76
Former Labour MP and North Shore councillor Jenny Kirk has died after a short illness.
Kirk was the MP for Birkenhead from 1987 to 1990 and sat on the North Shore City Council from 1995 to 2001. She died on September 30 in Whangarei.
Kaipatiki Local Board member Ann Hartley was close to Kirk and said she will be missed.
“She was a very fine person, (who) always stood up for what she believed in, and it was a very tough time,” she said.
Kirk was an MP during a period where Prime Minister David Lange would introduce controversial economic reforms.
Devonport Takapuna Local Board chair George Wood said Kirk was instrumental in securing funding for the Northern Busway that today connects thousands of people from the North Shore to the Auckland city centre.
“Took me and the works committee chair to see Minister of Transport Mark Gosche one Saturday morning and the rest is history,” he said.
“(A) wonderful community worker.”
Kirk was recognised for her services to local body and community affairs and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
She was born in 1945 and went to Westlake High School.
A cremation has taken place and a full service will be held when restrictions allow.
People have been asked to make a donation to North Haven Hospice instead of sending flowers.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.1% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program
Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.
The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
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