Businessman remembered as ‘one of the good guys'
A Southland businessman who died in a fishing trip at Lake Manapouri is being remembered for his passion and leadership.
He was Rick Murrell, 60, from Invercargill.
Southland Kia said on social media that Mr Murrell, its vehicle dealer principal, was a much-loved figure in Southland who was larger than life, quick-witted and "a character that everyone admired and enjoyed being around".
Mr Murrell's body was found in a boat on the Fiordland lake on Sunday night, police said.
They were continuing to make inquiries on behalf of the coroner.
A second man found on the boat was taken to hospital in a serious condition and police said yesterday he was recovering well.
He is understood to be from Dunedin.
Cycling Southland life member Julian Ineson said Mr Murrell had been a long-term supporter of the cycling fraternity through team sponsorship and providing cars for the annual Tour of Southland.
"We just love him and his team being a part of it," he said.
"Their enthusiasm and passion for it all ... it wasn't just purely from being a sponsor."
Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said Mr Murrell would be remembered fondly.
"Rick had a huge love for both sport and the outdoors and we know many people across the community will be feeling his loss," she said.
"He was generous with his time and passionate about whatever he was involved in.
"His support of events and sports helped them to thrive."
Motor Trade Association (MTA) president Sturrock Saunders said Mr Murrell, who was president of the MTA from 2010-12 and a director from 2005-10, was a natural leader.
"I was lucky to experience his interactions with many sectors of society and his deep pride in his family and community," he said.
"I was also lucky to have spent time with him on the MTA board, including when he became national president representing thousands of New Zealand motor industry businesses, which he did with absolute commitment."
Dunedin and Auckland car dealer Andrew Simms described Mr Murrell as "one of the good guys".
He had known Mr Murrell through the Kia network and his wider role in the industry.
Mr Simms said the Southland motor dealer was well liked and respected.
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said Mr Murrell was a respected leader and he had dedicated more than 30 years to the region's commercial life.
"Rick's passing is a profound loss, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Andrea, their family, friends, and everyone at Southland Vehicle Sales.
"He will be remembered for his commitment to our community, his warm leadership, and his unwavering support for Southland's businesses." — Additional reporting RNZ/APL
By Toni McDonald
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
22-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Businessman remembered as ‘one of the good guys'
Rick Murrell. Photo: supplied A Southland businessman who died in a fishing trip at Lake Manapouri is being remembered for his passion and leadership. He was Rick Murrell, 60, from Invercargill. Southland Kia said on social media that Mr Murrell, its vehicle dealer principal, was a much-loved figure in Southland who was larger than life, quick-witted and "a character that everyone admired and enjoyed being around". Mr Murrell's body was found in a boat on the Fiordland lake on Sunday night, police said. They were continuing to make inquiries on behalf of the coroner. A second man found on the boat was taken to hospital in a serious condition and police said yesterday he was recovering well. He is understood to be from Dunedin. Cycling Southland life member Julian Ineson said Mr Murrell had been a long-term supporter of the cycling fraternity through team sponsorship and providing cars for the annual Tour of Southland. "We just love him and his team being a part of it," he said. "Their enthusiasm and passion for it all ... it wasn't just purely from being a sponsor." Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said Mr Murrell would be remembered fondly. "Rick had a huge love for both sport and the outdoors and we know many people across the community will be feeling his loss," she said. "He was generous with his time and passionate about whatever he was involved in. "His support of events and sports helped them to thrive." Motor Trade Association (MTA) president Sturrock Saunders said Mr Murrell, who was president of the MTA from 2010-12 and a director from 2005-10, was a natural leader. "I was lucky to experience his interactions with many sectors of society and his deep pride in his family and community," he said. "I was also lucky to have spent time with him on the MTA board, including when he became national president representing thousands of New Zealand motor industry businesses, which he did with absolute commitment." Dunedin and Auckland car dealer Andrew Simms described Mr Murrell as "one of the good guys". He had known Mr Murrell through the Kia network and his wider role in the industry. Mr Simms said the Southland motor dealer was well liked and respected. Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said Mr Murrell was a respected leader and he had dedicated more than 30 years to the region's commercial life. "Rick's passing is a profound loss, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Andrea, their family, friends, and everyone at Southland Vehicle Sales. "He will be remembered for his commitment to our community, his warm leadership, and his unwavering support for Southland's businesses." — Additional reporting RNZ/APL By Toni McDonald
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- RNZ News
Much-loved businessman killed on fishing trip in Fiordland remembered
The missing boat was found shortly after midnight at in Safe Cove on Lake Manapouri. Photo: An Invercargill businessman who was found dead while on a fishing trip in Fiordland is being remembered as full of energy and passion. Southland KIA confirmed on social media that its dealer principal Rick Murrell had died, calling him a much-loved figure in the Southland community, who was larger-than-life, quick witted, and "a character that everyone admired and enjoyed being around". A search was launched when two experienced fishermen did not return from a fishing trip on Lake Manapouri on Sunday night and failed to check in via radio. A local helicopter located the boat in Safe Cove about 12.30am with both men onboard. The other man was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and police said he was recovering well. Police are investigating his death on behalf of the coroner. Southland KIA said Murrell lived life on his own terms and made the most of every moment. "Ricky passed away while enjoying one of his greatest passions, time on his boat, in the dramatic and beautiful scenery of Fiordland," his workplace said. "Fiordland holds a deep and personal history for the Murrell family, making it all the more poignant that Ricky spent his final moments in a place so closely tied to his roots." He left behind his wife and three children. "Ricky will be remembered for his dedication to family, passionate friendship, his laughter, and his sense of adventure," the company said. "He will be deeply missed." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- RNZ News
Diverting old car bumpers from landfill, into fenceposts
environment transport about 1 hour ago Had a fender-bender? You're not alone. Around 115,000 new and used bumpers are replaced annually across New Zealand, with many destined for the landfill at their end or life. But now the Motor Trade Association of New Zealand has developed a new programme, called plastic2eco, where the bumpers are re-purposed as fencing products by Waiuku recycling business Future Post. The plan is to expand into Hamilton, New Plymouth, and other Auckland suburbs, before being rolled out across the North Island later this year and into the South Island around mid-2026. MTA sector manager is Larry Fallowfield.
