Frana Cardno, who was New Zealand's longest continuously serving mayor, has died.
She was the Mayor of Southland from 1992 to 2013, and was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government.
The Southland Mayor, Gary Tong, said Mrs Cardno made a lifetime commitment to the council and the community.
Mr Tong said that it had been known for some time that she was very unwell, but people were hit hard by her death.
He said the council would place memorial books in all council offices for anyone who wants to share their memories of her.
Ms Cardno's funeral will be held next Friday.
