“ARC Chairman dies suddenly”

January 23, 2002

The Auckland Regional Council regrets to announce the sudden death of its Chairman Philip Warren QSO, JP this morning.

ARC Chief Executive Jo Brosnahan says Mr Warren was admitted to hospital early this morning and died following a heart attack. He was 63.

“Phil Warren has been an incredibly strong Auckland leader for more than two decades and his death is a sad loss not only for the ARC but for the Auckland region as a whole.”

Mr Warren has been Chairman of the ARC since 1992 and last year was re-elected to a record fourth term as Chairman. He has also been Chairman of the Auckland Regional Growth Forum and the Hauraki Gulf Forum since its inception.

Prior to his election to the ARC he spent 12 years as an Auckland City councillor including four years as Deputy Mayor and a period as Acting Mayor. He was awarded the Queen’s Service Order in 1994.

Mrs Brosnahan says Mr Warren oversaw many significant changes during his tenure as Chairman.

“He was at the forefront of an integrated approach to regional issues. He was always adamant that a combined effort by all the Auckland local government authorities was needed to solve our major issues of transport, growth and the environment,” Mrs Brosnahan says.

“Mr Warren was an Aucklander through and through with a passion for the Auckland Region which was clearly evident in everything he fought for.

“He was also one of this region’s most colourful politicians, prepared to take on any issue and call a spade a spade. His personality will be sorely missed on the political landscape.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this time.”

ARC Deputy Chairman Philip Sherry takes over as Acting Chairman immediately.

“Mr Warren suffered a health scare in 1999 but he bounced back with renewed vigour,” Cr Sherry says.

“With the death of his wife Pat Warren in March 2000, this is added grief for his son Reece and daughter Keeley, grandchildren April, Grace Tom, and the extended Warren family. On behalf of his council colleagues I would like to extend condolences to them.”

The family requests no flowers be sent. Mr Warren would have preferred donations to be sent to the SPCA of which he was a past president or the Cancer Society.

Funeral information will be included in death notices.

For further information please call:
Simon Roche, ARC Communications Advisor, Phone 366-2000 ext 8100, Mobile 021 656380.

Philip Warren’s good friend Bob Franklin is acting as spokesperson for the Warren family. He can be contacted on 025 483 710 or contact Reece Warren directly on 021 465 554.

The Warren family address is 554 Remuera Rd, Remuera.

A brief bio of Philip Warren is attached for media use.

Philip Warren QSO, JP

Philip Warren has been Chairman of Auckland Regional Council since 1992 overseeing the major structural changes bringing about the "new ARC". He was also Chairman of Regional Growth and Hauraki Gulf Forums until his death.

He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1984, served as an Auckland City Councillor for 12 years, four of those as Deputy Mayor and a time as Acting Mayor when Dame Catherine Tizard was appointed Governor General, 1990.

He was 40 years in the leisure and entertainment industry in partnerships with Sir Robert Kerridge and Douglas Myers in activities covering restaurants, cabarets, recording/broadcasting ventures and theatrical promotion of both local and international attractions.

He was also a company director, broadcaster on Radio Pacific Network, columnist for the NZ Woman’s Weekly, life member (and President) of the New Zealand Entertainment Operators Association and the Food Service Association of New Zealand. He was a recipient of the "Benny Award" and "Merit Award" for his contribution to the entertainment industry.

Honoured by Her Majesty in 1994, he received the Queen's Service Order for years of service to the community.

He was a Past President of the SPCA, Patron, Vice Patron and Trustee of many responsible organisations including the William C Daldy Preservation Society, the Auckland Brass Band, the Auckland Operatic Society, the Aotea Centre Performing Arts Trust and the Auckland Children’s Theatre Academy Trust.

Born in Auckland, he attended Mount Albert Grammar School. He was a widower and is survived by two adult children, two granddaughters and a grandson.

For more detailed biographical information, please contact Simon Roche on 366-2000 ext 8100, Mobile 021 656 380.

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