Also known as "Daisy"
17 July 1948 – 7 June 2025
Also known as "Daisy"
17 July 1948 – 7 June 2025
On Saturday 7 June 2025, David passed surrounded by his loving family to endless sunsets with his feet in the sand.
Treasured husband and best friend of Janet.
Loving Dad of Kirsten and Murray, Brooke and Mark, Greer and Matty, and Kent.
Cherished Daydais of Lucia, Daisy, Jude, Jed, India, Rudi, and Mads.
Much-loved uncle and brother-in-law of the Perrin family.
Messages to Daisy’s family may be left on his tribute page at eagars.co.nz/daisy.
A service to celebrate Daisy’s life will be held at Butler’s Reef, 1133 South Road, Oakura on Thursday 12 June 2025 at 1pm.
For those unable to attend, Daisy’s service will be live streamed here to his tribute page.
For those who are attending, please be aware that undercover seating will be limited. Please bring warm clothes as many will be standing on the grass area outside.

Funeral service held at Butler's Reef
So sorry to hear of Daisy’s passing. He served the New Plymouth/Taranaki community well & was instrumental in getting funding for our daughter’s Cook Strait swim. RIP Daisy
So sorry to hear of Daisy's passing. Our deepest condolences to Janet and the rest of the family. New Plymouth is a better place from his days at the helm. The walkway is a wonderful tribute to his vision and dedication. Graham and Heather Payne.
Janet, Kirsten, Brooke, Greer, Kent and all the whānau, I have fond memories of the time I spent with Daisy, always welcome in your home, my Taranaki whānau. He was a great man who achieved great things. What an honour to have known him. A beautiful celebration of his life, moments, and his favourite people. Arohanui, Toni xx
Janet and whanau, A beautiful sendoff at Ōakura to a man that deserved the best. You must be so proud of his wonderful accomplishments - an absolute trail blazer for his community. Warmest regards Peter & Caro Winstanley
Dear Janet Sad to learn of David's passing, he was someone who was always great to me and have a laugh (even at my own expense). Our thoughts are with you and all the family at this time. Ian and Carole Greenwood
Hi Janet - so sad to ready of Daisy's passing. What a force! You both were an important part of my teen years - blessed to have been part of your world. Lisette Meredith.
We are saddened to hear of David's death. A man who lived his life fully and well and a great servant of our communities. Our best wishes to Janet and family. Julianne and Paul Lamb
Deepest sympathy to Janet and family,enjoyed being involved in syndicate with Zebadaya, and our catch ups at the Nag. He was so supportive to my sister Pat when she had her legs amputated, talking to someone who had been through it was so helpful. RIP Daisy Kind Regards Marg and Emmett Fleming.
So pleased I got to meet Daisy so many years ago in the early 90's through life saving friends who are now family. Daisy, your legacy will go on through your beautiful family. My love to Janet, the kids, grandkids and the Perrin family who will all miss you so much. You will always be remembered with a smile and much love xxx
A great man. Thank you Daisy. You achieved so much in your lifetime — always for others, never for recognition. NPOB will forever be grateful. Rest easy.
Rest easy Daisy. Thank you for your help, guidance and wise words over the years. Take it easy up there x
Last night we officially opened the revamped Stadium Taranaki, with thousands of people braving the cold to watch the Bulls defend the Ranfurly Shield. Despite the result, it was a bittersweet night for many of us. Because if anyone deserved to be there, it was Daisy… When I talked to councillors and TRC senior staff this week, without fail they all spoke of Daisy’s passion for the stadium project. From the very beginning he was adamant that Taranaki needed that stadium and we just had to get on with it and put the thing back together. He saw the stadium, like our regional gardens and the countless other infrastructure projects he championed, as something that would bring people to Taranaki and keep our region moving forward. Despite setbacks and vocal opposition to the project, Daisy’s commitment to the stadium was second to none. He remained focused on solutions rather than worrying about who or what was to blame for setbacks. The last time we spoke, he told me how proud he was to see the stadium completed and ready for action. So needless to say, when we cut the ribbon out on the pitch last night and turned to see the full moon rising up over the new stand, we were all thinking of Daisy. It was quite a moment… As a councillor, Daisy always had his eyes firmly on the big picture - he reckoned the small stuff would take care of itself. He had high standards and expected those around him to meet those standards. He was forthright with his views and it’s fair to say he didn’t suffer fools. To Janet and family – thank you for sharing Daisy with TRC and the Taranaki community for so long and for supporting him to be all that he was. He has left an incredible legacy.
We are all deeply saddened to hear of Daisy’s passing. So many wonderful memories and laughs come flooding back from the old surf club days. He was a man of intention who achieved so much and left a lasting impact on those around him. Our heartfelt condolences to Janet and the family RIP Daisy.
What a wonderful send off for Daisy today we are forever grateful and thankful for what he did for us when our Cameron passed,he managed his celebration at NPBHS just as Cameron would have wanted,he was a trustee on The Cameron CLOW trust and gave us guidance and support when we needed it.RIP Daisy
Dear Janet & Family, Our love & condolences to you all at this sad time. Nicki & I feel so blessed to have known Daisy. What a magnificent inspiration he has been to all who were fortunate enough to rub shoulders with him! Great memories and a terrific contribution he has made to all of us. All our love, Coppo & Nicki.
........his insight came from deep and will continue to reach afar......Daisy's counsel will be missed but his influence on our every action will endure. he will be sorely missed. Bill
To Janet and family. Daisy was an inspiration to us all. What a man! What a family! Look after each other and yourselves. Kevin Archer
Thinking of you Janet. What a wonderful article on the front page of the paper. It was great to be reminded of all that he had achieved. A life well lived.
Our heartfelt condolences to Janet and your family on the loss of Daisy. We are sorry we couldn't be with you today but we have just watched online the service for him. Well, it wasn't a service but a celebration of a life well lived and his commitment to his family and the community. A mighty totara has fallen RIP Daisy
We will miss you Daisy. Such a lovely, kind and very clever man. Rest in Love. Kerry & Terri
Thinking of everyone and sending lots of hugs. I have great memories growing up at NPOB surf club and the dedication Daisy gave. Danelle
Dear Janet and family, Have just watched Daisys live stream and what a wonderful send off to a truly amazing man. He was certainly held in the highest regard. The photos were super. Take care with fond regard from Raewyn Bishop (golf buddy)
On behalf of the Justices Association, I would like to offer my condolences to Janet and her family on the passing of David, one of our very longstanding Justices.
To my former colleagues at the paper including Mike Bowler and Catherine Groenstein, former council associates including Kinsley Sampson, Janet and the many, many people who spent time with David - so many good memories. I enjoyed a fabulous relationship with the then council and was incredibly fortunate to accompany a mayoral delegation to Plymouth in 1988 celebrating 400 years since the Armada. David was controversial, inspirational and deeply committed to the welfare of his communities, qualities which were not only readily reportable but completely transparent. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
Dear Janet, Kirsten, Brooke, Greer and Kent, partners and grandchildren Thinking of you all at this sad time following the death of David (Daisy). He was an amazing person giving so much to our community. Thank you all for sharing him and supporting him behind the scenes. May the good memories you have become your treasures. Lean on them to remind you of the joy he brought into your life. May he now rest in peace. Kind regards Marian & Kevin Richardson
Janet and family Thinking of you all as you celebrate Daisies Life, an adventure shared by many. I was working at the council ( Treasury Dept) when Daisy became Mayor. Later spending time with family at Hurdon kindy and Frankly school May those memories become treasure to carry through your lives
An incredible man leaving behind an incredible legacy. Daisy had a heart big enough for everyone. Xx
Dearest Janet and Family, So sad to hear of the passing of Daisy. He was such a Community Man. I so admired his courage during his health adversity. He had the best one liners that always made me laugh and most of all his Crowning Glory (not his hair) but his wonderful family whom he was so proud and loved. Sending love and prayers. Hoge. Xxxx
Dearest Janet and Family - Our deepest Sympathy and condolences with the sad news of Daisy’s passing. Your darling man was an absolute diamond and we both have fabulous memories of Carousel battles and his contribution and his Chairmanship of our Community Trust that lead to so much success with Practical Education students. Just a good bloke who walked along side us all a battler who was a privilege to have had in our lives. Our hearts are full of sadness for you all and May God Bless you and care for you in these coming days and weeks. RIP Daisy. With love Pauline, Tony, Nick Zieltjes& PEI Staff
A fabulous guy. Love and hugs Janet and to your family from Bonnie
Dear Janet and family We are all so blessed to have had this legend in our midst for so many years. Daisy shaped New Plymouth in many ways. We are all better off, thanks to him. Our thoughts are with you all. Love and best wishes Sangeeta and Arun Chaudhari
My condolences to the Lean family. I will miss mine and David's regular banters over a beer or two at the Nag'n'Nogin. RIP Mate.
We offer Janet and Family our deepest sympathy in their loss and ours as our Patron may he RIP after contributing to our Association over the last 30/35 yrs
Awesome New Plymouth Mayor, lots of great work at Sport Taranaki, enjoyed his conversation. Condolences to Janet and family, RIP Daisy, top bloke. Deepest sympathy, Greg and Heather.
So sorry to read of Daisy's passing - condolences to you all. Do feel proud of David's achievements in his time of involvement in the Community and treasure the wonderful memories you will have. Thinking of you all. Helen.
To Janet and family. I'm so sorry 😞 to hear that David aka Daisy has passed. He was a delightful man and we will miss 😢 him. Thinking of you'll at this sad moment 😢 in your lives. From Valerie Hopkinson, Trevor Hopkinson Diane Hopkinson. Garry Hopkinson, Ray Hopkinson and Gaille Hopkinson
A schoolmate and a good rugby team mate in the 60’s and 70’s who never forgot his friends. His warm friendly manner and his contribution to the community will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy to Janet and Family. Ali and Diane Jordan
Sincere condolences Janet & Family, my thoughts are with you all at this sad time. A great Mayor, did so much for our community. Rest easy Daisy.
Mentored many. Thanks for the support of kids in their formative years, as they grew to become Ratepayers. “Dig It In” no more. Warmest Regards to Janet and the family Alan (Lucas) & Nancy Wood
To Dear Janet and family, Daisy was a special man. We will always remember him with great fondness. May the love you all shared help you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Diane and Bryan Faulknor, Hort and Wendy Horton, Greg Larsen and Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Lifesaving Club
To Janet and Family Very sorry to hear of Daisy's passing, he was a 'one-off', and touched many people's lives. He helped us young fellas in the surf club to get in line and stand tall (literally and metaphorically) Best wishes and our sincerest condolences Bruce(Arnie) Glenys and Jack Dalgleish
Dear Janet and Family, Sending our deepest condolences from Australia. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love Julie, Peter and Family xx
To Janet and family, My deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Daisy. He gave everything to Taranaki. He really was a Legend. Thinking of you all Lesley Officer
Dear Janet, I was so sorry to hear of Daisy's passing and just wanted to send you massive hugs to you and of course to all the kids as well. Sending love xxx
Unorthodox. Unpredictable. Unstoppable. The qualities I admire. Spending more than 25 years as deputy to Daisy as Chair of Sport Taranaki Board plus other community projects I saw first hand that his way of doing things achieved outcomes. I really enjoyed his outrageous and colourful narrative when we spoke about the future of the TSB. “ Tell the b——ds to take the f—-g hands off our bank.” As I walked along the walkway this morning I remembered the efforts of Daisy, John Armstrong, John Honnor and others scheming to secure the railway land for our future enjoyment. A legend who made an impact. Thank you Janet and family for supporting him in his endeavours. He was my friend. I have been fortunate. Sleep well Daisy. You deserve it, Cheers, Mike
I met Daisy many years ago when he worked for the Crippled Children's society (as it was called then ) when my daughter was seven and in a body plaster caste and needed transporting back and forwards to the Whanganui hospital a couple of times in the van they had . He never forgot Janine and when she wanted to receive her last guiding award in the clock tower he not only got permission and came too in full regalia. My condolences to you all One of the best
Sincere condolences to you all for the passing of Daisy. Over the 50 years having meet him in the Hawkes Bay in early 1970,s courting Janet then a member of Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club. David became a must contact for a beer and a yarn at each National champs. Rest in peace Daisy you will be missed by us but be remembered for your unselfish and dedicated service to all. Greg (Gums) McClurg and Robyn Yock.
To Janet and family, we are saddened to hear of Daisy’s passing, our love and thoughts go out to you all. Daisy’s legacy both here in Taranaki and Nationaly will long be remembered. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend Daisy’s funeral, but will be watching.
To the Lean Family, my Deepest Sympathy in the very sad passing of Daisy. He gave everything toTaranaki. My thoughts are with you. Bryan Hamerton
Thinking of you all ! Tons of love. Nicky and Brooke.
Hi Janet, so so sorry to hear of Daisy’s passing. Truely to be missed by many. My thoughts are with you and all of your family Grego
Rest in Peace David/Daisy Lean We were talking about you just the other day about your term as Mayor and all the work you did for your district and people. You will be remembered. Condolences to you Janet and your family
Our sincere condolences to you, Janet and family. Daisy was a legend and community leader, second to none. His belief, support, determination, banter and friendship within our business over many years will be forever treasured. Rest well our dear friend. Russell, (the late Nerida), and the whole Return 2 Earth team.
Thanks Daisy for the many kindnesses you showed to us and others. Janet and family, we are thinking if you at this time and hope you find comfort knowing the legacy Daisy has left. Xx Mel snd Glenn
Condolences to your family David. I feel blessed to have spent some time with you and the girls on Friday. it was truly lovely. You used to make me laugh how you always referred to me by my maiden name giving it so much respect and I thank you for showing me that. Your life has been amazing and you touched the soul of so many people with your refreshing candour. I will miss you dearly, Rest in Peace young fella.
Condolences to Janet, family and close friends
Thanks for everything you did for us all Daisy , one hell of a man. RIP
Thank you Daisy for your huge contribution to our city, our region, you will be greatly missed. You are a legend. Our sincere condolences to Janet and family Beverley and Neil
Giving thanks for David's life and his contribution to his family and community. Arohanui Janet from across the miles today.June and Simon Moseley in UK
Deep sympathy to Janet and family, of whom David always spoke with great pride. David was an inspirational mayor, who worked closely with NPDC staff to achieve so much for the city,
Sending my sincere condolences to Janet and the family, Daisy is a great man, who's massive legacy will continue on, I have many fond memories of working together on the beach, talking surf, a wise man, who will me missed. RIP Daisy
Janet and family, I share your sense of loss, a long term friend, a top body surfer, a man of achievement. Don Penwarden
Rest in love David - you changed our lives in 1970 and I am forever grateful - the probationary service lost a good man back then, only to become a better one as the public servant you were.
Dear Janet and family- thinking of you at the loss of your "Daisy"- he has been such a personality for you and New Plymouth-such a big loss for you all. Sincere Sympathy Bronwyn Jenkins
Our condolences to Daisy’s family. We will always remember Daisy as a true leader, up front, hard working and committed to New Plymouth and Taranaki.
Daisy RIP one of the best the boy from Clinton St & lived his life to the fullest a legend of the Naki--Thanks Daisy

Funeral service held at Butler's Reef

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