Ian Lawrence (mayor)

Ian Lawrence CBE
29th Mayor of Wellington
In office 1983–1986
Deputy	Gavin Wilson
Preceded by	Michael Fowler
Succeeded by	James Belich
Personal details
Born	1937 Australia
Spouse(s)	Sandra Lawrence
Children	5
Alma mater	University of Sydney Victoria University
Profession	Lawyer
Religion	Judaism
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Ian William Lawrence, CBE (born 1937 in Australia), is a Wellington lawyer, and was the Mayor of Wellington from 1983 to 1986.

As a youth, Lawrence was an active member of the Boy Scouts. He was educated at North Sydney Boys High School before proceeding to study law at the University of Sydney before moving to Wellington with his parents and continuing his education at Victoria University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Laws. He then practiced law independently and later became Chairman of the National Housing Commission.

Lawrence was elected as a Wellington City Councillor on a Citizens' ticket in 1971. He remained a councillor until 1983 when he was elected Mayor, replacing the retiring Sir Michael Fowler. His last term as a councillor (1980–83) he also served as Deputy Mayor. Lawrence spent much time attracting major events to Wellington, which brought the Nissan Mobil car race and established the Wellington's International Festival of the Arts. Lawrence served one term as Mayor until he was defeated by Labour's James Belich in 1986. He later served as a Wellington Regional Councillor.

In the 1992 New Year Honours, Lawrence was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to local government and the community. He also served a spell as the President of the Wellington Rotary Club.

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