Wairarapa man dies after speaking at council meeting
Monday 12 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story South Wairarapa District Council
Garry Dittmer, 68, collapsed and died after addressing a South Wairarapa District Council meeting. He had been seeking a response from the council regarding his long-standing concerns about the use of 1080 in the area. He was described as a passionate advocate for his community and the environment.
Key facts
4 facts
- Garry Dittmer, 68, died after a medical event on 1 October.
- The incident occurred at a council meeting on Texas Street, Martinborough.
- The death has been referred to the coroner.
- Dittmer had lobbied for decades regarding 1080 use and its risks to drinking water.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Garry Dittmer, 68, died following a medical event at a South Wairarapa District Council meeting on 1 October. Dittmer had been seeking responses from the council regarding his long-term concerns about the use of 1080 in the region. The death is being referred to the coroner.
During the meeting, Dittmer spoke from behind a desk during a public participation session. Councillor Aidan Ellims told Dittmer that the issue of 1080 was not a South Wairarapa District Council matter. While the council provides water infrastructure, the Department of Conservation carries out 1080 predator control and states that no New Zealand drinking water has been contaminated by their operations.
Witness Warren Woodgyer observed that Dittmer appeared stressed and attempted to follow councillors as they left the chamber. After being escorted back toward his seat by a councillor, Dittmer collapsed onto a table and then the floor. A council member with medical training administered CPR until emergency services arrived.
Mayor Fran Wilde described the passing as "highly distressing" for staff, councillors, and the public. Community activist Claire Bleakley described Dittmer as a person who "really strove to try and make it right" once he focused on an issue.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.