Ron Francis tribute
A tribute to the late Ron Francis from his son. Richard Francis.
Ron Francis 1931-2020
Ron Francis was a citizen of Lower Hutt for 60 years and was one of the most engaged and positive people in our community, mixing a strong sense of service and unshakeable faith with big ideas and a focus on “getting stuff done”.
Having survived multiple heart attacks, Ron passed away on October 25, at Hutt Hospital, aged 89.
Ron was the inspiration and administrative heft behind multiple Shapeshifter International Festival of the Arts fundraising events (raising over $300,000 for local Hutt charities) and a powerhouse for the Agape Budgeting Service (supporting over 3,000 local families to budget and access low interest loans for 30+ years), which he served for 13 years. In recent years Ron was a trustee and treasurer of the Hutt Valley Heart Trust for 15 years (raising funds in support of the Coronary Care Unit team and facilities at Hutt Hospital, as well as for cardiac event survivors in the Hutt).
His community efforts were recognised by the Mayor with a Civic Contribution Award in 2017. As a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Hutt, and foundation and life member of the Waterloo Probus Club, Ron’s many decades of service were also recognised by his peers.
Ron was an active member of the Lower Hutt Baptist Church for 60 years, which he attended with his wife Noeline.
Ron’s career encompassed 50 years as a Chartered Accountant that saw him found his own firm, Partner at a large firm and then act for many years as General Manager at Aroha Care Centre and Hospital, where he was presented with a Business Innovation Award by then Prime Minister, Jim Bolger.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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40.8% I avoid spending money on coffee
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49% I still indulge at my local cafe
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10.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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