Long-time Gisborne Herald reporter Wynsley Wrigley passes away

Gisborne Herald journalist of 28 years, Wynsley Wrigley, has passed away at 62.

The Gisborne Herald has lost a loyal and long-time team member with the death of Wynsley Wrigley on Saturday.

Wynsley passed away after a short illness. He was 62.

His journalistic career started and ended with the Gisborne Herald. He began in the reporters’ room at the old Herald offices in Gladstone Rd on June 15, 1998.

Like most reporters in those days, he covered a wide range of areas, but his main role became court reporting and, later on, health, which he continued to write about up to his death.

Had he been well enough, he would probably have attended the Relay for Life Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society fundraiser over the weekend. Tribute was paid to him at the event.

Wynsley experienced many changes at the Herald and, after the Muir family-owned business was sold to NZME in 2024, was one of the few remaining long-time employees.

Outside work, he was committed wholeheartedly to Pirates Club Cricket, whom he both played for, alongside several family members, and was a driving force in supporting behind the scenes. He was made a life member of Pirates in 2009.

Wynsley had a passion for politics, history and sport, in particular rugby, and was a massive Beatles fan.

Many tributes have been paid to him from different circles, underlining the variety of areas he touched.

While having no children of his own, he was a much-loved uncle and great-uncle.

Wynsley was laid to rest at a private service on Tuesday, St Patrick’s Day.

A celebration of his life was held at the Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club.