Tributes have flowed for Owen Lloyd, widely known and respected in the Gisborne community, who lost his life in a car crash on State Highway 2 on Friday morning. Photo / Supplied
Tributes have flowed for Owen Lloyd, widely known and respected in the Gisborne community, who lost his life in a car crash on State Highway 2 on Friday morning. Photo / Supplied
A 29-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death in relation to the death of Gisborne man Owen Lloyd.
Lloyd, 75, who lived at Whatatutu, died on Friday morning in a vehicle crash on State Highway 2 just north of the Kaitaratahi Bridge.
Police began a seriouscrash inquiry shortly after the crash at 6.50am that morning and the highway was closed for about four hours.
The man charged in relation to it made an initial appearance in Gisborne District Court on Monday.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that may help their investigation.
A statement from Gisborne Hospital said staff were “deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Matua Owen”.
“Our condolences are with his whānau, hapū and iwi, who have experienced a great loss.
“Matua Owen was a highly valued and respected senior member of Hauora Tairāwhiti. He has had a long career in service of whānau, beginning his service at Gisborne Hospital in 1995, as Māori Health Lead, in the former DHB.
“Over the years, he has held a number of significant senior roles at the hospital, including Relationship Manager, Audit and Monitoring Manager, Portfolio Manager Mental Health, Pakeke, Kōroua and most recently Cultural Advisor.
“Matua Owen was widely known, respected and held in high regard across the Tairāwhiti region and beyond.
“Matua Owen’s legacy is significant and far-reaching. His work over 30 years in a variety of health-focused roles has meant that the people of Tairawhiti are the richer for his service.”
Mayor Rehette Stoltz said she was “saddened by the tragic passing of Matua Owen Lloyd, a respected kaumātua in the region and a staunch representative of Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi”.
Owen Lloyd. Photo / Supplied
“Owen worked alongside many groups across Te Tairāwhiti,” she said.
“He supported the council, police, Te Whatu Ora and other agencies, always with a focus on people and outcomes rather than process or institution.
“He lived and breathed his beliefs, showing up with integrity, humility and a deep commitment to his iwi and community.
“For our council he made an enormous and valuable contribution across all aspects of our mahi, including Te Mana o te Wai, the Waipaoa Catchment Group, the Regional Freshwater Plan, the Tangata Whenua Reference Group, the Kiwa Group, and so much more.
“Our staff will truly miss the way he made people feel, and the way he brought people together,” Stoltz said.
“His passing leaves a significant gap across our region, one that reflects the depth of his presence and the respect he held.
“We will miss him in every space. Our aroha goes to all who will feel his loss.”
Many other tributes have been shared on social media.
“Matua Owen – You were my fountain of knowledge for proper tikanga and such a great support, I’m so very saddened, you are a true gentleman. A true totara has fallen.”
"A true kaitiaki", "a good fulla" and "a true totara" are among the many tributes for Owen Lloyd. Photo / Supplied
“Many years ago he was a huge help to me in a stressful situation and I have never forgotten the calm, measured and capable way he took over for me.”
“Such a huge loss to his whanau and the community. Had the privilege of working with him at the hospital. Loved our Thursday waiata sessions and all the powhiri that we did for new staff. I bet him and Papa Taina Ngarimu are already singing and having a good korero up there.”
“I’m so sad to hear that another legend has passed. This loss will be felt all across Tairāwhiti.”
“His knowledge on many subjects, projects, ventures, proposals was transparent and came from a place of love. His love and commitment to improve on our community’s health for our people, our environment – whenua, wai and moana. A true kaitiaki and navigator of all these things.”
