25/05/2026
Message from Her Worship the Mayor of Kawerau Faylene Tunui, on behalf of all Kawerau councillors and staff -
Nā koutou i tangi, nā tātau katoa / when you mourn, your tears are shed by us all
It is with a grief-stricken heart that I share the passing of former Mayor of Kawerau Malcolm Campbell MNZM JP.
The community of Kawerau knows Malcolm well, because he was one of us.
Malcolm was born in 1952. He was one of the early pupils at Kawerau Central School and Kawerau District High (as it was known then).
For 47 years Malcolm ran Campbell’s Butchery. Through his work, he knew hundreds if not thousands of locals by name. People knew they could call in to Campbell’s Butchery for a good cut and a good yarn too. Malcolm gave his time to everyone no matter who they were. He was always willing to assist, advocate or connect people to others who could help.
That was the measure of the man, and his strong connection to the Kawerau community saw him elected to Council in 1995.
In his second term as an Elected Member (1998-2001) Malcolm served as the Deputy Mayor to the late Lyn Hartley. Then, when whaea Lyn stepped down in 2001, Malcolm was elected Mayor. He’d go on to serve 21 years in the Mayoralty before stepping down in 2022.
Malcolm will be remembered by us all, and his many achievements during his tenure will last the test of time as testimony to his willingness to support people, businesses and industry to succeed.
In 2022, having stepped down as Mayor of Kawerau, Malcolm was elected to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and then re-elected again in 2025 to serve the wider Eastern Bay, and Bay of Plenty rohe.
Taking this service together, Malcolm has spent over three decades in service to his community.
Many of Malcolm’s colleagues remember his fighting spirit. Wherever he went, he’d go in to bat for Kawerau, and watch out if anyone tried to talk down to our community.
He had a determined vision for the district to grow and thrive, evident with the multiple housing developments that Council has progressed, including the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village.
Malcolm also had a gentle side taking pride in his tenderness for his wife, his children, and his mokopuna / grandchildren.
And as much as Malcolm would give his colleagues or his apprentices a rev up, at the same time he was also known to quietly guide them too, letting through that cheeky smile when he was proud of what they’d done. He was proud of how Council and staff served the Kawerau community.
At this difficult time my thoughts and my prayers, and the thoughts and prayers of the entire Kawerau community, are with Malcolm’s family and friends.
Having served as your Deputy Mayor for two terms with you, I pay tribute to you as a mentor, friend, neighbour, and as one of the true legends of Kawerau.
Rest in peace x
- Mayor Faylene Tunui on behalf of Kawerau District Council, current and former councillors and staff
Campbell, Malcolm James, NZOM, JP.
On Thursday, 21 May 2026, Malcolm Campbell passed peacefully after a short illness in Kawerau, aged 73 years.
Dearly loved Husband of Adrienne. Cherished father of Byron and Anita, and Ashley and Cliff. Adoring Koro to Tegan, Camryn and Sammy.
A much loved, brother-in-Law, uncle and friend to many.
Malcolm will lay at home in Kawerau, you are welcome to come and pay your respects from Saturday 23rd May between the hours of 10 am and 2pm.
A celebration of Malcolm's life will be held in the Kawerau Town Hall, Islington Street, Kawerau on Wednesday 27th May at 11am followed by a private cremation.
Malcolm's Celebration of Life will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person by using this link:
https://www.willettsfuneralservices.co.nz/view-mobile-funeral-stream/
In lieu of flowers, please donations can be made to Hospice E.B.O.P online or may be left at the service.
Communications to the Campbell family, C/- PO Box 2070 Whakatane, 3159 or online at willettsfuneralservices.co.nz.
