Coast councillor remembered as ‘strong campaigner’ after sudden death

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Lois Williams:

Local politicians have paid tribute to one of the region’s more colourful councillors - Frank Dooley - who died suddenly at the weekend in what’s understood to be a medical event.

The Westport chartered accountant, who was 70, was the chair and more recently chief executive of Buller Electricity.

He was elected to the West Coast Regional Council two years ago, vowing to get it back on track after a couple of turbulent years.

The council’s chief executive, Darryl Lew, said Dooley was widely respected by staff members for his financial and corporate knowledge and the huge energy he brought to his role.

“Frank read every detail of every council paper which came before him and made sure he knew it through and through.

“He was not afraid to ask questions to ensure he understood exactly what the issues were about nor to challenge when he thought something not right. Staff respected that.

“When he began his role as councillor in 2022 it was his first local government role. He had a lot to learn about systems and processes but took to it with aplomb. Our council would not be where it is today without Frank."

An all-staff meeting was held [Tuesday] morning at the council office in Paroa, Lew said.

“Several staff members who had worked particularly closely with Dooley were, understandably, very emotional.”

Regional council chairperson Peter Haddock said the loss of Dooley was very sad, and a shock.

“Frank was a strong campaigner and had the best interests of the Buller region, the West Coast and its ratepayers at heart.”

In Local Democracy Reporting's (LDR) observations, Dooley often showed a tenacity for detail and due process in council affairs and could be terse at times with what he saw as inefficiency or evasion.

He was unfailingly patient with media inquiries.

But he clashed often with deposed former council chairperson Allan Birchfield, and as chairperson of three council committees, frequently ordered him out of meetings.

Dooley was for a time trespassed from Buller District Council buildings after a fiery exchange with deputy mayor Sharon Roche.

He sued Buller mayor Jamie Cleine for defamation over the incident – but lost, after a judge-only trial in October.

The Buller mayor himself declined to comment on the news of Dooley’s sudden death, but noted Dooley had seemed unwell at times during the trial.

He referred LDR to the memorial notice on the Buller District Council’s Facebook page.

The notice describes Dooley as a deeply valued and much-respected community member.

“Frank was a highly respected West Coast Regional Councillor who provided leadership and support to that organisation.”

ABirchfield - Dooley’s sparring partner for the last two years - was somewhat less gracious.

“My mother told me if you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all."

Funeral arrangements are still to be finalised, but at this stage, are set for Saturday in Westport.