Louise Doyle, who died last month, did much in the service of this district.
Two former Waipā District Council leaders have paid tribute to a woman whose role was key to successfully navigating the early integration of iwi consultation into council decisions.
Speaking at Louise Ruiha Doyle’s Te Awamutu funeral service, former council chief executive Garry Dyet said the Waipā community owed Louise ‘a great debt for the contribution she made – quietly, patiently, and always with dignity’.
“Louise helped guide us on a journey that has shaped the way this district understands its history, its responsibilities, and its future.”
His words were echoed by a message Dyet read on behalf of former Waipā District mayor Alan Livingston, who could not be at the service. He described Louise as a ‘valued and long-standing member of the council community.
“She was someone I respected greatly and regarded as a friend. Louise was a gracious lady. She didn’t say much … she didn’t need to. Her presence and her mana ensured that people listened when she spoke.”
Louise Doyle died in her mid-nineties, at Ōhaupō’s Radius Windsor Court on March 12. She was born in Otewa, the ninth of 13 children, and was whangaid to the Fitzell family. Louise always remained close to both sides of her family, and even as she faced joy and heartbreak as the years unfolded, she welcomed people from all walks of life and gave voice to the value of tikanga.
OBITUARY: LOUISE RUIHA DOYLE: May 15, 1931 – March 12, 2026
It was that deep knowledge of tikanga that became her connection with local government when the passing of the Resource Management Act (RMA) in 1991 required councils to have regard for the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
“For councils across the country, including ours, this represented a significant change,” Dyet said. “For the first time, councils were required to formally consult with iwi in the preparation of district plans. For our council this was not a simple matter; we needed to work constructively with three major iwi authorities – Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Maniapoto.”
Early meetings with iwi leaders led to the establishment of a structure to guide the process, but with a caveat – before council could engage properly with mana whenua, they needed to be educated in the correct protocols around visiting marae and attending culturally significant events.
“Three remarkable women stepped forward to help us – Louise, Dori Walters and Rangi Oosterveen. It was a big task… council had very little experience in this space. But Louise and her colleagues stepped right into that environment with courage, patience and wisdom.”
They gently taught marae protocol, shared stories and histories and supported council members. Preparing the district plan took five years of hard graft; Dyet said the end product genuinely reflected the aspirations of mana whenua.
“The process itself became something of a model. In fact, Audit New Zealand used the experience to demonstrate how councils could effectively engage with mana whenua,” he said. “Good policy comes from good process, and in our case, the quality of that process owed a great deal to Louise and her colleagues. My relationship with Louise will always be characterised by clear guidance, trust and mutual respect.”
Following the adoption of the plan in 1996, Louise and Dori continued their involvement as members of the council’s iwi liaison committee.
Louise is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
One who spoke at her service said time spent with her nan was a chance to re-set, with compassion and without judgement.
“She always sent you on your way a little steadier.”
The News heard that Dori Walters passed away last Saturday, aged 97.
Louise Doyle, who died last month, did much in the service of this district.
