Rodney Bane

Bane, Rodney William James

It is with great sadness that we advise Rodney William Bane (Rod) passed away on Sunday 6th July 2025 aged 71 years. Loving partner to David Austin (deceased), loved youngest child to Rex and Susan Bane (deceased), brother to Laurie Bane and Correen McCurdy, uncle to Debbie Bane and family to Sylvie Waring, Aom Bane and VIn Patel. A great friend to many and special thanks to his Stagecraft, Repertory and Bats Theatre family, Dinner Group, Travel Industry and The Port family. We thank Wellington St John’s Free Ambulance and Nurse Maud for their support.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St John’s Free Ambulance would be appreciated and can be made online. Messages to Rod’s family may be left here in the tribute book or on tributes.co.nz A service for Rod will be held at the Lychgate Chapel, corner of Willis and Aro St, Wellington on Friday 11th July 2025 at 2pm. For those unable to attend the service, the livestream link is at the bottom of this page.

TRIBUTES

Linda Playle

Dear Correen
I am so sorry to learn of Rodneys passing. He was one of life’s colourful characters, and I enjoyed chatting to him whenever I saw him. I didn’t realise that David had passed previously, he also was such a lovely person when we worked together at Maher Travel. I know this will be a huge loss to you. Thinking of you at this sad time. I am unable to attend the funeral, but will watch it via livestream.
Warm regards, Linda

Roanna Dalziel

Kia ora koutou

Both Rodney and David did an extraordinary job of welcoming me to theatre in Wellington when I arrived in my early 20s. Giving me confidence, friendship, fun. Oh, and lovely meals. Many condolences to their whānau.

When a fragile mirror breaks
Keep it as a reflection to us all.
Steady the spotlight on stage
Turn the shards into a glitter ball.

Prepared for all my roles
I’ll be lavish in my part.
I will speak for all the souls
I have learnt my lines by heart.

I hear your ovation but be seated
For it is needless, I am certain.
This is not my final bow
For I am just behind the curtain.

Arohanui
Roanna

Gregor Cameron

I see Rodney’s journey has completed, appreciated the words of the many lives he touched and wanted to share one of my own. Rodney helped me out on my 48 hour film competition entry in 2012, Mother’s Day Out.. Having no recording equipment on the shoot meant that the film was essentially going to be silent. Hence everyones lines would be improvised/ nonsense. When Rodney came to play the Undertaker in the scene he said what should he say. I suggested the old absurdest mumbo-jumbo from sixties Sykes or Comic Strip films. He jumped on this and provided a wonderful rendition of one hundred and one ways of saying the word rhubarb as his advice to the grieving son. He really always treated me with respect and generosity. Travel well, Lad.

Jeff Abbot

My deepest sympathies to the Bane family, and to those close to Rodney and his late partner, David. I met David and Rodney through theatre connections at Victoria University, and performed alongside Rodney and others for several years at Kapitall Kids Theatre. I cherish those memories and remember Rodney’s humour and great generosity. There were also many lovely meals at their home, and the wonderful hospitality of Bane and Austin is surely to be celebrated and remembered. Much love to Rodney’s family today and thinking fondly of him and David. Thank you, Jeff Abbot

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