A woman killed in a fatal workplace accident at the Te Anau transfer station has been remembered for her tireless work ethic and fierce compassion.
Lynda Kelly, 63, was killed in a workplace accident at the Te Anau
Grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of one, dies in Te Anau workplace incident
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The death has been referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner’s Office.
Laura-Lulu Jane Kelly said her mother was dedicated to helping others, working hard and never sitting still.
“She just helped everybody. She could do anything. She never f***ing slept.”
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Born in Mandeville and adopted into a local farming family at a young age, Lynda Kelly was a “self-described tomboy” who grew up on a sheep and beef farm.
“She was a daddy’s girl ... Everywhere her dad was, she was.”
After marrying and raising her children on a farm near Te Anau for two decades, Kelly separated from her husband and later partnered with Lindsay Stronach, her long-time companion of over 26 years.
Together, they lived in the Te Anau-Manapōuri area and worked side by side at the transfer station, where Kelly eventually took on a formal role.
She also worked simultaneously at the Aden Motel for nine years, as well as the freedom camping run and dog control with Stronach.
That community visibility made her a familiar face and beloved presence to many, Laura-Lulu Jane Kelly said.
“Mum was gossipy and in your business. She was the gossip queen. She knew everything about everybody,” Laura-Lulu Jane Kelly said.
“You move to Te Anau, Mum could tell you where you were born and who your great-grandfather was.”
Her friendliness extended far beyond Southland. Through her involvement with “Wwoofers” (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, a programme for overseas volunteers who work in exchange for accommodation), Lynda Kelly built connections with people all around the world.
“We’ve been asked to livestream the service for people in places like Germany... That’s how many people she knew.”
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Lynda Kelly was also deeply involved in local volunteer efforts such as Lions and Rotary.
“If she wasn’t in our grill, she was in someone else’s grill, trying to help and fix everything,” her daughter said.
Kelly is survived by her partner Lindsay Stronach, her three children, Laura-Lulu Jane, Daniel and Jenna, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson, aged 3.
“She’d sit and yarn to [her great-grandson] on the phone even though he can’t talk,” Laura-Lulu Jane Kelly said.
“She just did so much s**t. But she didn’t do it for show. She did it because she cared.”
Laura-Lulu Jane Kelly said the family was still awaiting official updates and arrangements for her return and funeral were not yet confirmed.
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Aden Motel Te Anau posted a tribute for Lynda Kelly to social media.
“May 2, 2025 we lost our most valuable staff member of 9 years in a tragic accident,” it wrote.
“Lynda Kelly, you will be missed so much here at Aden Motel by our regular guests but more by the staff but mostly by Irene, Dave & Molly. RIP my dearest friend.”
Police confirmed that one person died after a workplace incident at a Manapouri Te Anau Highway premises about 3.30pm on Friday afternoon.
A WorkSafe New Zealand spokesperson confirmed an investigation was under way.
A non-disturbance notice has been issued to preserve the scene until inspectors arrive this week.
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“We are not in a position to provide any findings while our investigation is in its very early stages,” they said.
A Southland District Council spokesperson said no further comment will be made due to the ongoing investigation.
