The Ponsonby and Herne Bay community recently lost a pillar of strength and service with the sudden passing of Norman Stanhope — a man defined by his integrity, calm leadership, and enduring commitment to others. Norman died doing what he loved — gardening at his home on Cowan Street — a quiet, thoughtful act that reflected so much of who he was.
Norman arrived in New Zealand at age 15 and began work as a farm cadet. After time in Australia and a return visit to the UK, he followed a friend’s advice and joined the New Zealand Police. From his early days as a constable in West Auckland, he rose to become District Commander for Auckland, serving during some of the nation’s most turbulent events.
His leadership was marked by calm and integrity through defining moments like the Bastion Point occupation (1978), the Mount Erebus disaster (1979), the Springbok Tour (1981), the Queen Street riots (1984), and the Rainbow Warrior bombing (1985). Throughout it all, he remained composed and principled, deeply committed to the rule of law and respectful of people’s rights to express their views — even in protest.
Maybe one small exception was placing orange cones to “close” part of Cowan Street for their street Christmas party. At age 60, and much to his disappointment, Norman was required to retire as 60 was the mandated age for retirement from the police.
Another of Norman’s passions was heritage and community. He was an early member of the Ponsonby Herne Bay Community Committee. When the Hydra Bacon Factory was closed in 1990 and the site fell into disrepair Norman was part of the Community Committee working with the council and the ASB Bank to ensure the new bank building was in keeping with the heritage of the area.
After retirement Norman joined the Herne Bay Petanque Club where he played inter club and served as President twice and on the Committee for some time. From a member “I'd like to acknowledge the massive contribution Norman made giving selflessly in service to our club. Norman was on our committee for 14 years where our members and facility benefited much from his efforts. Norman was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and his presence will be missed.”
He also served on the Committee of U3A for some years and taking the President's chair when based at the Leys Institute. He convened the Ramblers and Armchair Travellers groups which covered other passions - learning and travelling. Norman would accumulate his leave and he and his partner, Winifred would travel to the UK to see family and combine that trip with other countries. In later years cruising became popular and last year it was a cruise to Antarctica. Plans for a visit to family in Dubai were under way.
Friends, neighbours, and colleagues alike describe Norman as thoroughly decent — a man who believed in doing things properly, who led by example, and who treated everyone with respect. He was proud of his service, proud of his community, and proud to live a good life.
His final weekend was spent in the best of company — enjoying lunch with his old police friends and visiting Muriwai, where he once played golf, another of his great passions.
A man of grace, discipline, and kindness — Norman Stanhope left a legacy that will long be remembered by the many lives he touched
Many thanks to those shared memories with me, especially Tim and Nick Stanhope, Winifred Lamb and Judith Tizard.
Bronwen Hughes, President, Ponsonby U3A.
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