Auckland plays tribute to All Black great

Office of the Mayor
News Release
22 October 2012

Auckland plays tribute to All Black great

On behalf of Auckland, Mayor Len Brown has paid tribute to Sir Wilson Whineray, who died at Auckland Hospital today.

Sir Wilson was the longest serving captains of the All Blacks and was considered by many to be the All Black's greatest captain.

Auckland-born Sir Wilson played for six different provinces, but achieved his greatest provincial success captaining Auckland.

In his business career, positions held included Chairman of the National Bank and Chairman of Carter Holt Harvey.

He was also Chairman of the Hillary Commission and the first New Zealander inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.

"Sir Wilson was a great leader with an outstanding business career, a wonderful kiwi," says the Mayor. "He not only led great All Black teams but one of the greatest Auckland teams. Sir Wilson was a true gentleman."

Sir Wilson was a member of the Mayor's first XV, a group of well known Aucklanders from all walks of life, who helped promote the Rugby World Cup in the lead up to RWC 2011.

He was 77.

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