Remembered for ‘mischievous’ streak
A HOST of familiar names — and familiar voices — farewelled broadcaster and former city councillor Neil Collins yesterday.
His funeral at a packed Glenroy Auditorium was officiated by sports broadcaster John McBeth, and included tributes from Mayor Dave Cull and broadcasters Owen Rooney and Jim Sullivan.
Performer Eddie Low sang and former prime minister Helen Clark was among those who sent messages.
The funeral heard numerous stories of Mr Collins’ escapades on the road in the entertainment industry, and his ‘‘mischievous’’ sense of humour.
Mr Collins died aged 77 on November 17 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just three weeks before.
He began his career as a 17yearold volunteer at 4XD in 1958, and was involved in radiothons, telethons and Miss New Zealand Shows, and presented television weather and news.
He ended his career three years ago at Radio Dunedin, and continued broadcasting there from time to time until recently.
He was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for community services, and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to broadcasting, local government and the community.
He was elected to the Dun edin City Council in 1989, serving until 1998 and again from 2000 until his retirement from the council in 2013.
Mr McBeth said Mr Collins would have been ‘‘delighted he had a full house’’ at the service.
Tributes mentioned his passionate support for Dunedin, and of Otago sports teams.
His almost 23 years as a councillor was also remembered yesterday.
Former Dunedin mayor Peter Chin said wages for councillors in the past had been ‘‘paltry’’, and people such as Mr Collins had served out of a sense of civic responsibility.
Mr Collins was seen as a popular councillor who was respectful and a good man.