Trevor Horne (New Zealand politician)


Trevor Freeman Horne was a New Zealand politician. He served as Mayor of Nelson from 1968 to 1971.

Early life and family

Horne was born in Christchurch. He was the son of Freeman Horne and Mable Smith. He was educated at Gisborne Boys' High School. In 1951 he married Ngaire Johnston and they had two children, a boy and a girl.

Career

He began work in 1935 as a clerk with a public accountant, joined the Farmers Co-op in 1936, and in 1937 became an apprentice cabinet maker. After the Second World War he formed his own tourism business and was a director of Tourist Services Limited.

War service

Horne joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940, serving in No 2 Ground Reconnaissance Squadron as an Acting Flight Sergeant. He left the Air Force in 1946. During the war he studied a Canterbury University commerce course.

Political career

Horne was elected to the Nelson City Council in 1956, became Mayor for one term from 1968 to 1971 replacing Douglas Strawbridge, and Deputy Mayor from 1974 to 1980. During his time as mayor the Government sought to demolish the old Nelson Provincial Council building to make way for a new court house. Horne and fellow Council member Sonja Davies unsuccessfully campaigned to have the building preserved. The majority of councillors did not support them and in September 1969 the building was demolished.

Public service

He was a member of Jaycees, Lions, Toastmasters and the Nelson Chamber of Commerce. Horne was also President of the Nelson Judo Kwai and Nelson Skating Club.
In the 1979 New Year Honours, Horne was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services.
When he died in 1991, Horne bequeathed $60,000 to the Nelson City, which was used to develop the Trevor Horne Heritage Trail.