19 Nov 2018

Veteran Dunedin broadcaster dies

1:53 pm on 19 November 2018

By David Loughrey for the Otago Daily Times

Dunedin broadcaster and city councillor Neil Collins died last night after an illness.

Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin in 2015.

Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin in 2015. Photo: Otago Daily Times

Mr Collins, 77, began his career as a 17-year-old volunteer at 4XD in 1958.

He was involved in 16 radiothons, eight telethons and two Miss New Zealand shows, and presented television weather and news.

He interviewed everyone from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Sir Edmund Hillary.

He was elected to the Dunedin City Council in 1989, and served as a councillor for 23 years.

Mr Collins' last day at the microphone was in 2015, and included a conversation with Prime Minister John Key, friends and colleagues.

Neil Collins on a University of Otago float in the late 1960s.

Neil Collins on a University of Otago float in the late 1960s. Photo: Supplied / Otago Daily Times

Mr Collins said at the time it had been a privilege to work for so long in broadcasting.

"If there was a highlight it has to be meeting people I thought in my life I would never, ever have the chance to meet.

"In that category I would have to put people like Louis Armstrong - just being with him and spending a day or two.

Neil Collins (front) fronting the Otago Southland studio component of the 1978 Telethon.

Neil Collins (front) fronting the Otago Southland studio component of the 1978 Telethon. Photo: Supplied / Otago Daily Times

"Johnny Cash - I've always liked Johnny Cash and he came in, and I drove him to the airport in my car.

"People like that - and yes, I was a decoy for The Beatles when they came to town - those sort of instances, when you look back in your life, you think `gosh, I was very fortunate'.''

This story was first published in the Otago Daily Times.