Diane (73) was not only Hokitika's rural postie she was well known and highly regarded in her community for her genrousity and good nature.
In 2012 she had been awarded Rural Women New Zealand's Postman-pat-on-the-back award and at that time said she had fallen into the role of rural postie after her husband Bernie died after an accident delivering mail in the area in 1997.
Diane tragically died in hospital five days after her postie van rolled backwards over her while unloading items at a private property.

Howe, Bernie - Hokitika