Obituary: Lynn Middleton

PSA members and staff are deeply saddened by the recent and sudden death on November 13 of former PSA national secretary Lynn Middleton.

Lynn played an important and significant role in the union movement, working for NZEI, NZCTU, PSA and Education International. After leaving her role as women’s officer at the CTU, Lynn became PSA national secretary in 1999. She was the first woman to take on that role.

As a member of the newly formed three person PSA Secretariat until 2004, Lynn led the union into a period of strong membership growth, growing engagement with Government and employers. She formed important relationships with key leaders throughout the public service.

Lynn was a committed feminist and promoted the rights of working women throughout her life. She was a powerful advocate for equal pay and pay equity and represented the PSA on the Labour-led Government’s Pay and Employment Equity Taskforce. 

Lynn was also a founding member of the Public Service Tripartite Forum, where she successfully advocated for the creation of a public service superannuation scheme.

Lynn was gregarious and fun to work with. She embraced life and people, putting everyone at ease and spreading her warmth and support.

PSA President Janet Quigley remembers Lynn as a special person who mentored and paved the way for other women in the union movement both here and internationally.

We will all miss her dearly.

National Secretary Kerry Davies