Former Porirua City Councillor Tracy Johnson has died peacefully, surrounded by her whānau, prompting tributes to a woman who made a significant contribution to the city through local government, business and sport.
Johnson (Ngāti Rārua), a mother of three, nana, aunty, sister and wife to Stephen, was remembered by Porirua Mayor Anita Baker as someone who loved the city and the people in it.
“Tracy was very well known across Porirua for her organisational skills, her ability to bring people together and, most of all, the relationships she built with people,” Baker said.
Mana MP Barbara Edmonds said Johnson’s warmth and love for the Porirua community were evident to those who knew her.
“Tracy brightened every room she entered and loved our Porirua community,” Edmonds said.
“My alofa to Stephen and her family, whom she loved dearly and was so proud of. Ia manuia lau malaga Tracy.”
Johnson had a long involvement in Porirua before becoming an elected representative.
She held events and economic development roles at Porirua City Council, was a former Executive Director of the Porirua Chamber of Commerce, President of Kapi Mana Netball and Chief Executive of the Capital Shakers.
Baker said Johnson often remarked that working with people was what she loved and what drew her to community-focused roles.
“Put simply, she loved Porirua.”
In 2022, Johnson was elected as one of four councillors representing the Pāuatahanui General Ward on Porirua City Council.
Fellow councillor Geoff Hayward, who was also elected that year, recalled being seated beside Johnson at the council table and the conversations they had as new councillors.
Hayward said they came from different backgrounds and did not always see things the same way, but Johnson’s willingness to listen and understand others had stayed with him.
“The way she wanted to know more without judgement is something too important not to share,” he said.
“To her whānau, thank you for sharing her with us, even for a short while.”
Johnson served one term on the council before stepping down due to ill health.
Baker said many people would not have known about the health challenges Johnson faced.
“Many people will not know that Tracy endured long-term health challenges, because she was always so upbeat, positive and focused on others,” Baker said.
She said Johnson had many friends across Porirua who would be sharing in the grief of her whānau and those closest to her.
“She gave a great deal to Porirua and to the people around her. Our city is now missing one of its shining stars.”