Joan Williamson-Orr

Joan Williamson-Orr QSO JP (1930/1931 – 2 March 2023), also known as Joan Williamson, was the mayor of Taupō, New Zealand, from 1986 to 2001. Her career saw her elected as the last mayor of the Taupō Borough Council, and then the first mayor of Taupō District from 1988.

Joan Williamson-Orr
QSO JP
Last Mayor of Taupō Borough Council
In office
1986–1988
Preceded byClem Currie
1st Mayor of Taupō District
In office
1988–2001
Succeeded byClayton Stent
Personal details
Born1930/1931
Died2 March 2023 (aged 92)

Politcal career

Williamson-Orr, campaigning as Joan Williamson, was first elected to the Taupō Borough Council in 1977. From 1983 to 1986 she was deputy mayor. In 1986 Clem Currie retired and Williamson was elected mayor.[1]

In 1988 the new Taupō District held its first elections, returning Williamson as mayor. She held that position until retiring in 2001.[2]

Accolades received by Williamson included the New Zealand Commemoration Medal, awarded in 1990, and the New Zealand Women’s Suffrage Medal in 1993. She was also made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for community service. Taupō's Joan Williamson Rose Garden was named for her in 2007.[3]

Family

Joan Williamson had six children and 20 grandchildren. As of March 2023 her son, John Williamson, is a Taupō district councillor. Two grandsons, Kane Williamson and Dane Cleaver, have played cricket for New Zealand.[4][5]

Death

Williamson died on 2 March 2023, aged 92.[1]

References
  1. Martin, Matthew (3 March 2023). "Former Taupō mayor 'left a huge mark' on the district". Stuff. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  2. "Tributes flow for Taupō's first mayor Joan Williamson". New Zealand Herald. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  3. "Former mayor Joan Williamson 'left a huge mark' on the Taupō District". Taupō District Council. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  4. Anderson, Ian (17 January 2023). "Grandmother defends Black Caps' captain Kane Williamson from criticism". Stuff. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  5. Beck, David (23 June 2023). "Taupō grandmother full of pride with two grandsons in Black Caps". New Zealand Herald.
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