By RNZ

Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland’s North Shore City Ann Hartley has died.

Members of the family posted on social media that Hartley died Friday surrounded by family.

Hartley was the first mayor of the newly created North Shore City in 1989, and went on to be elected to Parliament in 1999, winning the Northcote electorate.

Hartley went on to be the Deputy Speaker and Assistant Speaker and a member of multiple committees.

She left Parliament in 2008 and served on the North Shore City Council.

Ann Hartley (right), after her investiture as a Companion of the Queen's Service Order by the governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House, Auckland, on May 28, 2022. Photo / Office of the Governor-General

“Ann was the shining light of our family, we were all so proud of her endless support for social justice, advocating for community and her dedication to public service,” her family said in a statement.

“Ann was selfless and spent her life making the country a better place for Ann’s family, her loved ones and all who call New Zealand home.”

In 2022, she was named to the Queen’s Service Order for “services to local Government and the community.”

North Shore councillor Richard Hills paid tribute to Hartley on social media, calling her a “hugely influential person in my life”.

“Having Ann as a friend was like having an encyclopaedia of politics and community, we would talk for hours at her home or on the phone about strategy and plans to get the best for our community.

“She worked hard to knock down doors and break ceilings for women and families, she worked hard for equality and equity in all her roles. She was one of the first woman mayors in Auckland, the first mayor for North Shore and she was the first woman deputy speaker when she was a Labour MP.”

A public memorial is planned for February 14 at the Northcote Rugby Club, the family said.

“People everywhere have a story to tell me about how Ann helped them or how her actions got something over the line for them,” Hills said.