Expressing his sadness at the news of her passing, Mayor Lester said his sympathies were with Helen’s partner Steve, her family and loved ones on such a sad day.
Mayor Lester says a civic service to acknowledge and celebrate Helen’s achievements is being organised in conjunction with Helen’s family – the details of which will be made public shortly.
“Helen Kelly was an outstanding woman. She always fought on behalf of people who needed a voice, was hugely principled, always put other people’s interests ahead of her own and never compromised on her convictions,” Mayor Lester said.
Deputy Mayor Eagle said: “Helen was hugely courageous in fighting for the rights of Kiwis and Wellingtonians. She never forgot her roots in political activism and the union movement and fought and advocated for better conditions for people right through to her last days.”