An enthusiast — for motorcycles, underwater hockey, wine tasting and for his city — former Dunedin mayor Jules Radich has been remembered for his energy and presence. Colleagues at the Dunedin City Council reflected on the impact he sought to have as a councillor and mayor, such as by advocating for flooding mitigation in South Dunedin. Dunedin deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said the city’s new hospital, being built to the scale the government had promised, would be Mr Radich’s lasting legacy. Family of former Dunedin mayor Jules Radich, including his wife Pamela Walker (centre), and other mourners farewell him outside First Church in Dunedin yesterday. He also recounted Mr Radich’s underwater hockey teams tended to win a tournament in Dunedin, despite him getting the last captain’s picks.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 09, 2026 23:59 UTC