Roger McClay: Former National minister and Commissioner for Children dies, aged 80

Former Youth Minister Roger McClay died at home on Friday surrounded by family. Photo / Chris Skelton

Former National MP and Minister of the Crown, Roger Neville McClay QSO, has died aged 80 after five years fighting cancer.

McClay’s son, Todd, current Trade Minister and MP for Rotorua, shared the news of his father’s passing on social media, saying the former Youth Minister died late on Friday, November 7, surrounded by family.

“Roger was a former Member of Parliament for the Taupō and Waikaremoana electorates for 15 years, and was a Minister of the Crown for Youth Affairs, Pacific Island Affairs and Assoc. Minister of Education and Social Welfare,” Todd wrote.

“He also served as Commissioner for Children - a job he enjoyed more than any other.”

Todd said his father had lived with cancer for the past five years, and died at home “surrounded by family including his great-granddaughter whom he adored”.

“He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.”

Initially elected MP for Taupō in 1984, McClay was the only person to serve as the representative for the Waikaremoana electorate during its four-term existence before it was abolished in 1996.

During his tenure, McClay held various portfolios in the Jim Bolger-led National Government from 1990 to 1996.

He stood down from politics after serving five terms - or 15 years - in Parliament, but remained dedicated to his public service, serving as Commissioner for Children from 1998 to 2003.

He was awarded a Queen’s Service Order in 2005 for his public service and work with New Zealand youth.

In 2010, he was sentenced to 300 hours’ community service for fraud, after admitting three charges of wrongly claiming $24,687 in travel expenses, defrauding Parliamentary Services and the charities World Vision and Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Before entering politics, McClay worked as a primary school teacher and later a principal, highlighting his “lifelong passion for the rights of the child and helping young people get ahead”, Todd said.

A commemoration service will be held on Thursday, November 13, in Taupō, with the public invited to pay their respects.

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