Stewart Duff

Stewart Hector James Duff (2 November 1908 – 29 July 1981) was a New Zealand businessman, civic advocate and politician. Rarely seen in public without his trademark bow tie, his dedication to improving Wellington's airport was second to none.

Biography Early life and career Duff was born in Wellington on 2 November 1908. He was educated at Wellington College. After leaving school in 1925 he moved to Eketāhuna and worked on a local dairy farm for one year. He then began a career in the advertising industry which would last 43 consecutive years, first as a salesman then as copy writer. In 1933 he married Isobel Roberta Williams. By virtue of his advertising career, he was a member of the Wellington Publicity Club. He then joined the New Zealand Broadcasting Service as advertising manager and was later station director. He then became the managing director of the Dormer Beck advertising company. In 1964 he was appointed a Justice of the peace. Duff was considered for the position of deputy mayor following the 1974 election, for which the media speculated him as the frontrunner due to his seniority. However second term councillor Ian Lawrence was instead chosen. Duff was acting Mayor for one month in 1977 while both Fowler and his deputy Lawrence were overseas, the first time in decades that both the mayor and deputy were overseas at the same time.

Duff was a member of the National Party. Following the announcement of the retirement of MP Dan Riddiford Duff was approached to stand in the seat as the National Party candidate to succeed Riddiford. Ultimately he did not end up standing. He often took a non-partisan line and went against his Citizens' colleagues more than once notably on the city-wide electricity price hike and the conversion of both Cuba Street and Manners Street into pedestrian malls.

Duff was also a member of the Wellington Harbour Board. He was first elected in 1968 and was elected for four further terms, remaining a member until his death. He supported the establishment of the Wellington Regional Council and later became a foundation member of the Regional Council, elected at the inaugural election in 1980, "topping the poll" with more votes than any other candidate. and in the 1981 New Year Honours he was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services.

Despite declining health he continued his public service, though he decided to stand down from the city council after suffering a heart attack in 1979, though was still on the Harbour Board and regional council (which met less regularly). Duff died at his home in Oriental Bay, Wellington on 29 July 1981 aged 72. He was survived by his wife Roberta and daughter Diana.