Obituary: Robbie

Forest and Bird, Volume 21, Issue 2, 1 May 1990, Page 43

Obituary: Robbie

Chairman Central

Auckland

Bob Mann,

Many conservationists will miss Sir Dove-Myer Robinson (Robbie), who passed away recently at the age of 88. He was instrumental (with Prof. Ken Cumberland) in founding our ~ Central Auckland branch 43 years ago, and was in many ways a farsighted and effective conservation activist. Both before and during his many years as Auckland City councillor and mayor, he led the 10-year battle to stop the proposed scheme for discharging bulk sewage into the Waitemata and to bring about instead the Mangere treatment works (advanced for that time, though now needing improvements). To quote from two standard books on the specific and the general histories: "Robinson and his confederates were conservationists almost before the term was dreamed up... All of the organised protest movements which have subsequently intervened either in Auckland affairs or on environmental issues derive some of their skills from Robinson’s and the (Drainage) League's campaigns ." A very early and vigorous opponent of fluoridation, Robbie also showed earlier judgement than most in opposing nuclear power. He paid for the distribution of many copies of the best book on the subject to leading citizens in 1972. But in addition to resisting wrongful technology, Robbie also worked hard to affirm right living. Through the Soil Association and in other ways he promoted composting — domestic, and in the (only recently shut-down) Auckland City rubbishcomposting plant. Robbie was the inaugurator and first chairman of the Auckland Regional Authority whose finest achievement may be the creation of many outstanding regional parks. He campaigned long for a rapid rail system, because of his concern over fuel wastage and pollution by cars. This concept is, in 1990, at last being seriously considered by Auckland authorities. His eldest daughter is a member, and a niece is a former secretary, of our branch. Robbie was on the right side of more environmental issues than any other politician of similar rank.