I am truly so saddened to have read about Wayne’s passing after spending time with him and Nicola only a few weeks back. There are a few whakataukī that immediately brought him to mind. They speak to the way he led, the way he connected with people, and the quiet strength with which he carried himself, values Wayne embodied without ever needing to name them. He was far more than a respected industry leader. He was a connector of people, a calm and thoughtful voice in complex conversations, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of kōrero. “Ko te kai a te rangatira he kōrero (the food of chiefs is dialogue)” He understood that dialogue, shared learning, and mutual respect are what truly sustain leadership.

He carried himself with quiet strength and integrity, “E kore e hekeheke, he kākano rangatira (a noble heritage will never perish)”. Through his leadership with NASC and his wider contribution to the global scaffolding and access community, Wayne reached across borders, building relationships grounded in trust, humility, and collaboration. His support for NASC but also wider international bodies meant a great deal, and his belief in international cooperation left a lasting imprint on the work we do in Australasia.

Wayne’s influence was never about titles or position. It lived in the standards he upheld, the people he supported, and the respect he showed to everyone he worked alongside. “Waiho rā, kia tū takitahi ana ngā whetū o te rangi (Let it be one alone that stands among the other stars in the sky)”. Wayne was certainly someone who stood as his own star among many, steady, generous, and quietly influential. A true gentleman, I am grateful I was able to experience his kindness, support and friendship these past few years. 

While words can never ease the pain of such a sudden loss nor accurately describe such a huge loss, it is evident to see how deeply admired and sincerely valued he was by his peers. His legacy lives on through his beautiful whānau, the relationships he built and the many people he inspired across the world.

My heartfelt condolences to Nicola and the Connolly family, to his colleagues at Connolly Scaffolding, to Clive and the team at NASC, and to all who had the privilege of knowing Wayne. Rest in love my friend.

With sympathy and respect, Tina Wieczorek