Former Selwyn mayor Kelvin Coe remembered as a ‘staunch advocate’
Monday, 6 July 2026
The Selwyn community is mourning the loss of its former Mayor Kelvin Coe, who died on Friday after more than two decades of dedicated public service to the district.
In a social media post, the Selwyn District Council announced Mr Coe's passing, paying tribute to his decades of service and extending its condolences to his family, friends and the wider community.
The 82-year-old died peacefully at home in Irwell, a family notice confirmed.
Coe dedicated more than 20 years to local government, serving as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor from 2007 until 2016. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2017, for services to local government.
Current Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon said Coe's contribution to the district would be remembered for generations.
His time in office coincided with a period of rapid growth for Selwyn and the challenges that followed the Canterbury earthquakes.
As mayor, he played a key role in leading the district's response and recovery while helping to shape the district's future, she said.
Gliddon described Coe as 'a proud local, farmer and community advocate' who cared deeply about the people and places that make Selwyn special.
'His commitment to public service, strong leadership and enduring contribution to our district have left a lasting legacy.'
She also reflected on the personal support she received from Coe during her election campaign.
Coe's experience, wisdom and willingness to mentor others would be remembered alongside his years of dedicated public service, Gliddon said.
'Kelvin advised and supported me through my election to mayor, and I am very grateful for his support and knowledge.'
Selwyn District councillor Sarah Barnsley said news of Coe's passing had come as a shock, having spent time with him last week.
Barnsley described Coe as “a humble Ellesmere farming man, a man of family and God through the Irwell Church, and a kind man whose legacy is vast.”
Speaking to The Press, she said he was a “staunch advocate” for his community.
“He gave so much for the district. A great supporter of growth, an incredible humble man and very likeable person. He will be truly missed.”
Barnsley said she had attended a Waihora Ellesmere Trust meeting with Coe last Monday evening, where the former mayor was still actively contributing to discussions on local government.
'He was offering his parochial advice on the amalgamation of local government. Needless to say, he was not a fan of Selwyn District Council joining with Christchurch City Council and their debt levels,' she said.
The Reverend Margaret Neate, vicar of Ellesmere Parish, also paid tribute to Coe, describing him as “our friend and brother in Christ” and a devoted member of the parish family.
In a notice to parishioners issued on behalf of Coe's wife Gem, and the family, she asked for continued prayers for his loved ones and for the parish community as it mourns “the loss of a highly respected, dedicated member of the Ellesmere Parish family.”
The vicar said Coe's contribution extended well beyond the church.
“I am aware that over many years Kelvin has contributed so much to the Ellesmere and Selwyn community – not only our church. Many of you lost a long time and significant friend and colleague. I honour him for his commitment.”
Coe was interviewed by Stuff in 2016 when he called time on his 21-year council career. At the time, he said the decision had not been easy but believed it was the right time to hand over to a new generation of leaders after 21 years in local government.
He was proud of what had been achieved during his time in office and looked forward to spending more time with his wife, their family and at the family farm in Ellesmere.
'I'm leaving with a tinge of sadness … The last nine years have been a full-time commitment. There's more flexibility now, but relief isn't quite the right word.“
A service to celebrate Coe’s life will be held at 10.30am on Saturday July 11 at Oaklands in Halswell.