An event to celebrate the life of Wainui man Basil Simpson will be held at the Nukuhou Salt Marsh lookout on Saturday.

The dedication of a park bench overlooking Ōhiwa Harbour will be attended by Mr Simpson’s family and friends.

The former policeman, turned farmer, lived in the Wainui area for 57 years.

Whakatāne district councillor for the Tāneatua ward Andrew Iles said he was known as the “unofficial mayor of Wainui”.

Mr Simpson died in July 2019 at the age of 91. His wife Pat, with whom he celebrated a 70th wedding anniversary in 2018, died in 2022.

“He was a voice for the residents of Wainui,” Mr Iles said.

“He would welcome new people into the community and organised monthly meetings, which would be held at a different person’s house each month, to keep everyone informed about local happenings. He kept that community together,” Mr Iles said.

The park bench, made from long-lasting recycled plastic was funded through Tāneatua Community Board and assembled and installed by Tāneatua Lions Club. The bench is situated on an elevated point to provide a beautiful view of the harbour near the corner of Wainui and Burke Roads.

The dedication is at 10am. The Simpson whānau will sing a waiata and say a karakia and refreshments will be served afterwards, across the road at Cheddar Valley Pottery.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.