A final farewell for Councillor Jim Hopkins

Published on 30 July 2026

Kia ora koutou katoa.

Today we are here to make a bit of a fuss of someone, who deserves to be made a fuss of. We are here to farewell, and thank, our friend and colleague, Councillor Jim Hopkins, as he leaves Ōamaru and Waitaki for the final time.

To Jim’s family, thank you for sharing him with us, and we extend out deep sympathy, gratitude, and love to you all.

Jim was an absolute icon — a natural orator, a media legend, a sharp and generous mind, and a man who gave so much of himself to the communities he loved.

Around the Council table, he was unmistakably Jim: thoughtful, challenging, witty, deeply committed, and always guided by a fierce love for Waitaki and its people.

He had the rare gift of lighting up the room, and an incredible ability to throw his voice to all corners. He brought humour, intellect, humanity, and heart into every room he entered.

But more than that, Jim cared. He cared about fairness, about local government, about the underdog, about this district, and about the people who call it home.

On behalf of Council staff, Councillors, and the wider community, I want to say simply: Jim, we loved you. We loved your voice, your chuckle, your courage, your brilliance, your mischief, and the enormous heart you brought to us all.

You leave a gap that cannot be filled, but also a legacy that will never be forgotten.

As you leave Ōamaru today, we send you with our thanks, our respect, and our absolute love.

Haere rā, Jim. Rest well, dear friend.