Farewell to inspirational Frana Cardno

Achampion for Southland, the longest serving female mayor in New Zealand and a force to be reckoned with; we recently said goodbye to a great woman whose legacy will be with us for many years to come.

Hundreds of people attended former Southland district mayor Frana Cardno’s funeral at Ivon Wilson Park in Te Anau last week, paying their respects to a colourful character who was the heart of Southland.

Frana gave instructions for her funeral before she passed. It was by no means to be a traditional affair. She wanted the occasion to be a celebration of life so people were asked to dress in bright, casual clothes and to bring a native tree to plant. ‘‘Hundreds of them’’ she instructed – a fitting farewell for the woman so passionate about the environment.

Her family spoke of a loving mother and grandmother, while former colleagues spoke of a woman who fought for Southland and lobbied at national level.

We were asked to sing along to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and to perform the Chicken Dance – tributes to Frana’s earlier occupation as a kindergarten teacher.

Politics may seem an unlikely step for someone who began their career teaching children but it was the fight for a library for Te Anau that led to her entering politics – a battle she won, and the first of many fights she undertook for Southland in her 35 years as a politician and 21 years as mayor.

It’s no secret that Frana inspired me to apply for this job. She was an inspirational woman who I’m sure left a lasting impression on many of us.

I first met Frana in 1989 when I was a police officer working in Tuatapere. I was impressed by the good work she was doing in Southland and in representing us at a national level.

Later, working at Borland Lodge I had a lot to do with Frana and I said to her the work she was doing was fantastic and should she ever give up the role of mayor, I’d apply for it. She has left me with big shoes to fill.

Frana was passionate and a force to be reckoned with. She was committed to Southland; an advocate for the district, for youth issues, community development and the environment. Talking to national government, NZTA, NGOs, community groups and the public, you realise just how much she was admired.

Her achievements were many. She fought for Southland to be taken seriously at a national level, putting the district and herself on the radar so we were not forgotten.

Frana battled long and hard for better funding of our district’s roads, she was part of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, which helps young people to get jobs and be in education.

Frana was involved in the development of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. She worked to get local councils to take a more collaborative approach which led to the formation of the Shared Services Forum which sees councils working together.

There were plenty of challenges along the way, including being a woman in what was a man’s world in her early political career. Her tenacity, hard work and good humour carried her through and she moved from a member of the Te Anau Community Board to mayor of Southland District.

Over the years her contributions were recognised in several ways. Among the awards she received; the United Nations Certificate as an outstanding woman in local government; the Companion of the Queens Service Order for public services, Local Government NZ’s

Frana was passionate and a force to be reckoned with. She was committed to Southland; an advocate for the district, for youth issues, community development and the environment.

Skills Organisation Outstanding Contribution to Local Government award and Rotary’s Jean Harris Award for the development and progress of women in society.

Though she hung up the mayoral chains in 2013, Frana didn’t give up her causes, remaining committed to local issues and an active member of the Fiordland Conservation Trust and Save Fiordland.

Looking back at her tenure on her retirement, she was pleased with what had been achieved, happy that council had adhered to its philosophy of putting people first.

She’d hoped to spend more time with her family so a cancer diagnosis just months after retirement was a cruel blow. Perhaps even crueller was the death in 2011 of her husband of 47 years, Murray. He was an important partner for her, and his support was invaluable to her as mayor. Frana has now returned to his side.

Southland is feeling this loss, our communities, our staff and elected representatives and the lives of those she touched.

In her final message Frana said ‘‘I have had a great life. It has been a privilege representing you as mayor for 21 years’’.

I think it’s fair to say the privilege was ours Frana, thank you and rest in peace.

If you’d like to share your own message with Frana’s family, condolence books will be at the council’s area offices and in the Invercargill office until 15 May.

Gary Tong is Southland District mayor