Obituary: Andy Smith - Community advocate, musician, creative change-maker and friend

Our dear friend and colleague on the ‘Ponsonby Park’ Community-Led Design group died unexpectedly at home, on Thursday 8 July.

His life-celebration was held at the Purewa Chapel, on Saturday 17 July. Dancing, live music, colourful garlands and eccentric head-dresses welcomed everyone upon arrival. It was a perfect start to the event as Andy, who long ago had decided to work towards making the world a better place, had determined to always have fun doing so.

He was a true community champion and knew, as do all those working for change, that it is a long haul and not a quick trip. His focus was primarily local, but he also had an international influence through many organisations, roles, and connections that had built up over decades of advocacy work. He was a dedicated visionary and a gentleman, described during the service as a real magician: he was always creating a new path and he looked at life from many perspectives. He will be sorely missed.

RIP Andy. Arohanui e hoa. (JENNIFER WARD)

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Published 6 August 2021