Joan Williamson-Orr

Joan Eileen Williamson-Orr  (née Russell; 17 October 1930 – 2 March 2023), also known as Joan Williamson, was the mayor of Taupō, New Zealand, from 1986 to 2001. Her career saw her elected as the last mayor of the Taupō Borough Council, and then the first mayor of Taupō District from 1988.

Political career
Williamson-Orr, campaigning as Joan Williamson, was first elected to the Taupō Borough Council in 1977. From 1983 to 1986, she was deputy mayor. In 1986, Clem Currie retired and Williamson was elected mayor.

In 1988, the new Taupō District held its first elections, returning Williamson as mayor. She held that position until retiring in 2001.

Honours and awards
In 1990, Williamson received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal. She was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993. In the 1993 New Year Honours, she was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services. Taupō's Joan Williamson Rose Garden was named for her in 2007.

Family
Williamson was twice married, firstly to Stuart Williamson and later to Tom Orr, and had six children. , her son, John Williamson, is a Taupō district councillor. Two grandsons, Kane Williamson and Dane Cleaver, have played cricket for New Zealand. A granddaughter, Louisa Williamson, is known as a saxophonist and composer.

Death
Williamson died on 2 March 2023, aged 92.