"She was consistently a strong advocate for the Waikato River and an expansion of public transport in particular, and held a passion for the arts and heritage in the city.
"She had been very keen to carry on in her council role despite her health issues in recent years. She'll be sorely missed by all of us."
He and Waikato Regional Council chairman Vaughan Payne had visited her family today to give their condolences.
Livingston first joined council in 1991 and had been elected every term, except during 2007-2010.
While on council she chaired a number of committees, including the environment and public transport committees, policy and plan changes and resource consent hearings.
Livingston was not known to shy from conflict and was outspoken at council meetings.
A by-election for the now vacant Hamilton constituency seat will be held in early 2017.
She was also the chair of the Hamilton East Community Trust which publicly fought developer Barry Livingston's plans to build a office and retail block on the Corner of Clyde and Grey Sts in Hamilton East raising concerns over traffic.
The land was sold in 2014 and is now home to a car dealership.
On her personal blog, Livingston said her career included education, broadcasting, theatre and the arts generally, politics, public service, heritage environment, publishing and marketing.
