Councillor Graham Condon killed in a tragic accident today

8 September 2007

Long-serving Christchurch City Councillor Graham Condon was killed in a tragic accident near Christchurch this morning.

Mr Condon, 58, died after being struck by a car while he was cycling at Brooklands, north of the city.

Mr Condon was elected as a councillor in 1995 and he was standing for re-election for the Shirley-Papanui ward in next month’s elections.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore said that Mr Condon’s death was a tragic loss to the local community. Mr Condon, who has been in wheelchair since he was a young child, was a true champion for his community, sportspeople everywhere and particularly the disabled, Mr Moore said.

“As councillors we are all devastated by his death and our sympathy goes out to his wife, Kath and two children Craig and Andrea of whom he was so proud.

“He and Kath were a great team and are about to become grandparents. Graham was so looking excited about this next stage in his life as a grandad.”

Mr Moore says Graham Condon was one of the most positive people he knew and totally passionate about all sport. Not only an outstanding sportsman himself, he supported and fostered others. He had represented New Zealand numerous times and had won at least three gold medals. He custom-made his own wheel chairs for competition. He was still highly competitive and competed in this year’s Le Race to Akaroa.

Mr Moore said that Graham Condon established Parafed and had been on the board of SPARC. He was also on the board of Christchurch City Holdings. He was awarded a Queens Service Medal.

“As a councillor he was a real team player and a tremendous asset to the council team. He always spoke his mind and even if he didn’t agree with you, he always moved on. He will be sorely missed by us all – the councillors are mourning an extremely close friend and mate,” Mr Moore said.

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