James Hay

Who is James Hay?

Sir James Lawrence Hay was a New Zealand advertising manager, presbyterian layman, welfare worker, retailer, businessman, local politician and philanthropist. He was born in Lawrence, South Otago, New Zealand on 17 May 1888. He was first elected onto Christchurch City Council in 1944. He served until 1953, when he unsuccessfully challenged the incumbent mayor, Robert Macfarlane, for the mayoralty. When an incorporated society was formed for the promotion of a Christchurch Town Hall, 'Town Hall Promotion Inc.', he became its first president.

Hay died on 26 March 1971 at his home in Christchurch. The town hall was opened some 18 months after his death, and the second largest performance space was named the James Hay Theatre in his honour. His son, Hamish Hay, was later the Christchurch mayor for 15 years.