Bronwyn Elizabeth Hayward

HAYWARD BRONWYN ELIZABETH ONZM

Very much-loved daughter of John and Anne, loved sister of the late Susan, Gail and Greg Mitchell, Mary and Stefhan Wolken and Michael and Paula Hayward. Loving Aunt to niece and nephews Scott, James, Mikaela, Tynan, Ben and Sam. Loved niece of her Aunty Gwen in Australia. Much loved BFF to Bob and soul mate to Richard.

Bronwyn’s funeral service will be held at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, 208 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington on Tuesday 14^th July 2026 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers Bron wants donations into the Bronwyn Hayward Memorial Scholarship account # 02 0520 0236017-097 all funds will go to support disability studies in accordance with Bron’s wishes.

Messages to the family may be sent c/- Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis Street, Aro Valley, Wellington 6011. Tributes and to access the livestream link can be found at https://lychgate.co.nz/funeral-notice/hayward-73905/

Tributes

Trish McQueen

I knew Bronwyn when I went to Camp in Masterton run by CCS. I also danced with her at Widance.

Brenda Kean

Remembered as a determined and delightful student many years ago at Waiopehu College, Levin.

Natasha Paul

Remembering Bronwyn as a smart, quick witted, determined lady full of character who was passionate about family and friends. Rest in peace. X

Debbie Ward

I first met Bronwyn at a Disability Conference in the late 80’s. As a disabled teenager myself, she was one of the first disabled women I met that I felt I had a lot in common with. She was a great encourager and mentor to me as I was starting out on my own disabled leadership journey. She made an impact on my life. Thank you, Bronwyn, rest in peace now.

Julie Richardson

My darling Cousin Bronwyn, A very intelligent, courageous, funny and deeply loving woman. Bron would have a go at anything, the greater the challenge the more enthusiastic she was. She was a great advocate for the vulnerable, disenfranchised and people with disabilities. Her Unit in Wellginton was an open door to those that needed some respite. Bronwyn was so very loved by our family, a gift to our lives.
RIP darling Bronwyn.
Cousin Julie Richardson and Catherine Australia.

Helen Vizer

A very special person and shining light.
I remember how welcoming she was at Weir House and how funny she was. I remember her tv show and the work she did at Victoria to improve the university experience of so many students.
Sincere condolences to all of Bron’s loved ones. She will be so missed

Wendy Neilson

A proud advocate for women and all people who lived with disabilities. You will be missed so much. Much love Wendy ❤️ 😍 💖

Christine Carmody

Very sorry to hear this sad news of Bronwyn’s death.thinking of you all.
Christine Carmody

Terese McLeod

Kua whetūrangitia koe

Translation: You have become a star.
Meaning: This is a beautiful expression used to describe the passing of a person. In traditional oratory (whaikōrero), it signifies that the deceased has returned to the heavens to take their place among the ancestors

Bronwyn was a sterling advocate in my Victoria University years and without a doubt the most significant factor in me starting and getting through university, my whānau and I remained thankful for her strength for her students. University life on a busy hill, and, in the earlier years of developing accessible policies was enormously challenging for disabled students – Bronwyn did everything to ensure we were supported and she fought for us.

I’m sadden to hear of her passing but gladden to hear she was surrounded by such comfort and aroha and she certainly left an enduring legacy on this world – such a wāhine toa. In this time of Matariki and Puanga where we reflect, my reflections of Bronwyn are of the deepest appreciation – I left university a few decades ago so it’s enduring appreciation. Thank you Bronwyn.

Aroha nui Terese McLeod & whānau (Taranaki Iwi & Clan McLeod)

Terese McLeod | Lead Ranger Bicultural Engagement
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Ian MacDonald

On behalf of all Members’ of the Seatoun Returned And Services Association, can I express my deepest sympathy at Bronwyns passing.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.
Ian MacDonald
Secretary.

Maxine McArthur

My beloved cousin Bronwyn
Thank you for living a life that shows us what true courage is.
Thank you for living a life that shows us how to create joy.
Thank you for living a life that shows us the meaning of helping others.
And thank you for reminding me that family bonds outlast time.
Love you.

Paul Gibson

Bron was a dear friend and colleague.

Ali:
I want to remember Bron at her happiest and best. We went to a couple of conferences together and tied holidays on to them. Memorably Melbourne where we went shopping at the markets, Bron like to use a wheelchair when overseas and I would push it from behind, and I can’t see so she would steer. I would put my sunglasses on and nobody i knew I couldn’t see and we would go super fast and terrorise everyone: we thought it was hilarious. When I pushed Bron in her wheelchair everyone would talk to me, when she was not in her wheelchair and sighted guiding me they would talk to her. We went for a Vietnamese meal, tried to order a rice paper role each and after a miscommunication ended up with 18 of each. We tried to discretely dispose of them.

Paul: Bron was an Artist and an academic. In dance she transformed from caterpillar to butterfly, and really flew. Whe worked together on mentoring disabled youth while she worked to open the door to tertiary education for many disabled people. She gave keynote addresses at various conferences, at times sharing some deep personal impactful stories of living in a disabling society. She coined the term “Attitude-iosis”, half seriously, half in jest medicalising what it is that many non-disabled people suffer from, and direct at disabled people.

Farewell my friend, e rere atu, fly away. your life and your disability studies legacy will continue to have an impact.
Haere Bron haere. Moe mai atu ra., haere ki te kainga tuturu. Koe I a koe, hoki mai ki a tatou.