MAINZ staff saddened by the death of Dave McArtney

Media release – 17 April 2013

MAINZ staff saddened by the death of Dave McArtney

Staff from the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) and Tai Poutini Polytechnic say they will miss an inspirational colleague, friend and musician following the death of Dave McArtney.

Dave McArtney was a hugely influential member of the New Zealand music fraternity.

Along with MAINZ Dean Harry Lyon and fellow musician Graham Brazier he founded renowned Kiwi band Hello Sailor in 1975.

He joined MAINZ in Auckland as a tutor on the Contemporary Music Programme in 2001, firstly as a casual tutor then as a permanent, part--time tutor.

MAINZ is a faculty of Tai Poutini Polytechnic.

Following the news of his death yesterday staff at MAINZ spent some time together to remember Dave and help each other cope with his loss.

MAINZ Associate Dean John Quigley says it has been a tough time for staff and their thoughts are with Dave’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“Dave was a very gifted singer--songwriter of international repute and a dearly loved member of the close--knit team at MAINZ – he was liked by everyone and gave his time selflessly in pursuit of educational excellence.

A mighty Totara has fallen,” he says.

TPP CEO Allan Sargison says Dave was an inspirational tutor.

“Dave McArtney was a very talented musician and valued member of the TPP and MAINZ teams.

He will be a great loss to the music scene and on behalf of the staff I wish to pass on our condolences to Harry Lyon, a lifelong friend, and Dave’s other MAINZ colleagues and family."

ENDS

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