First elected to Council in 2001, Lew is one of our longest-serving councillors.
Over more than two decades, he has built a strong reputation for his steady commitment to community wellbeing, particularly in the areas of social housing and support for older people.
Lew’s involvement in community work began well before his time on Council. In 1995, he started the Street Van, heading out to help people wherever and however he could. That same drive to make a difference led him to establish Shepherd’s Rest Trust in 2001, now known as Legacy Housing, which provides accommodation for people who struggle to find traditional housing. For many vulnerable members of our community, that support has been life-changing.
His commitment to helping others, especially those dealing with addiction, was recognised nationally when he received the Queen’s Service Medal in 2009.
Lew wears many hats, but they all focus on community. He’s a member of the Abbeyfield Trust Manawatū, President of Grey Power Manawatū, and serves as Federation Treasurer for Grey Power New Zealand. Through these roles, he continues to advocate for older residents and inclusive housing solutions, and making sure no one feels left behind. If there’s a group that needs a bit more support, Lew is usually not far away.
Lew and his wife Meriam moved to Palmerston North from Levin in 1993 and have called it home ever since. Meriam is heavily involved with our multicultural community, something Lew says he is very proud to support.
What might surprise you about Lew is that outside of Council meetings and community work, he’s spent time DJing on international radio stations, and has bred German Shepherd dogs over the years. “Not your usual combination,” he says.
Ask Lew what he enjoys most about being a councillor and his answer is straightforward:
“It’s about being able to genuinely help people where possible. That’s what it’s all about.”