​Flags to be lowered to half mast at council office

Ōpōtiki District Council staff and elected members share their deepest condolences on the passing of Josie Riesterer peacefully on the weekend at Thornton Park Retirement Village.

Flags at all council buildings will be flown at half-mast to mark her funeral on Tuesday 19 August 2025.

Josie and her family gifted so much to the Ōpōtiki district. Josie’s husband, the late Don Riesterer, was Ōpōtiki Mayor from 1989 to 2001 – the first Mayor following the amalgamation of Ōpōtiki County Council and Ōpōtiki Borough Council.

Her daughter, Lyn Riesterer also served the community as a councillor, Deputy Mayor and then Mayor between 2013 and 2022.

Josie was at the heart of a whānau who have served their community in so many ways and is deeply connected to council through elected and community positions. But the greatest achievements are always family. Council sends our condolences to Graeme and Nancy, Suzanne, Lyn and Kate and all the many grandchildren, great children and even great great grandchildren.

Ka ora tonu tō mana me tō ihi.