Current Taupō District Mayor John Funnell said it was a jolt to hear of Trewavas’ death yesterday morning.
“Many of us had actually been with him on Friday night for an hour or so when there was a farewell for one of our staff here. And, it came as a bit of a shock that he was there and intermingling with us and is gone within a few days. And… I really feel for Anna and the girls and what they are having to go through.”
Funnell, who had known Trewavas for 50 years, said he was a great guy with a great personality.
“Well-respected, continually promoted Taupo, both domestically and internationally. And I can tell you; they're pretty big shoes to step into from my point of view, because he was so well known and well-liked, and had this unique ability of remembering people's names…
“In a short time, he had met their partners, and he was able to remember their names and often their children's names as well. So, quite a talent that I wished I had.”
Funnell also said Trewavas had a mischievous sense of humour.
“I can remember going to a citizen ceremony in town a few years ago with one of our staff, and I went there just to be a witness and to help them. And David announces to about 40 people there, that, ‘Oh, John Funnell's here, he's got a hotel downtown. If you all go down there after the ceremony, he'll shout you all a drink!’”
He also lamented that he and the council had lost a source of potential guidance and advice as they coped with local body reorganisation.
“Quite often if I saw him in the street, he'd offer me advice on what I should be doing with various parts of the council…
“On behalf of the district council's elected members and staff, and in fact I'm sure I can speak for the wider Taupo district, we'd like to extend our sympathy to Anna, David's wife, his daughters, and to the extended family and friends… He did a lot for Taupō and he will be missed.”
Louise Upston MP
Taupō Member of Parliament Louise Upston also said she was deeply saddened to learn of the Trewavas’ passing.
“David dedicated more than two decades of service to the Taupō District, including four terms as Mayor, and was a passionate advocate for the people and communities he served.
“Over the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside David on a wide variety of issues that mattered to our community. He cared deeply about the people he represented and brought both commitment and heart to public service. David was a champion for the district and was always proud to stand up for the interests of those in our community.
“His contribution to Taupō leaves a lasting legacy, and his loss will be felt by many across our district.
“My thoughts are with his wife Anna, their daughters, family, friends, the council and all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”
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