Dick Quax: Dutch‑born New Zealand Runner and Local‑Body Politician

Early life and athletic career

Quax was born in the Netherlands and later moved to New Zealand, where he developed into an elite distance runner. He rose through national ranks to represent New Zealand internationally and achieved his greatest track success in the 5000 metres. During his competitive career he was widely admired for his tactical racing and consistent performances on the track. For more on his origins, see birth and immigration details and the entry for his role as a runner.

Achievements and international competition

Quax’s most notable athletic milestone was briefly holding the world record for the 5000 metres. He also took part in major international championships and was a fixture of New Zealand distance running through the 1970s and early 1980s. His world‑record association and competitive record are often cited in profiles and athletics histories; further reading on that event can be found via 5000 m records.

Transition to politics

After his athletic career Quax entered local‑body politics. He served as a Manukau City councillor and later on the Auckland Council following local government reforms. He stood for national Parliament as a candidate for the ACT Party on more than one occasion and also campaigned for the mayoralty of Manukau. Key entries on his public life are available through linked resources on his local‑body roles, the city of Alkmaar where he was born, and his parliamentary candidacies recorded under election history.

Offices, campaigns and public service

• Manukau City Council: served as a councillor in the early 2000s.
• Mayoral campaign: he stood for mayor in 2007 and continued to be active in local issues, referenced in accounts of his 2007 mayoral campaign.
• Auckland Council: later returned as an elected member of the regional council.

Personal life, illness and legacy

Quax married three times and had three children; his third marriage was in 1991. In late 2013 it was made public that he was being treated for throat cancer, a diagnosis he had received earlier that year. He died in Auckland in 2018 at age 70. His life is remembered both for his contributions to New Zealand athletics — as a national champion and record‑setting runner — and for his service in local government. For factual summaries and contemporary reports, consult the linked items above which catalogue his sporting records and public roles.

Notable distinctions: Quax is often mentioned in discussions of New Zealand’s golden era of distance running and is cited in lists of national athletics greats. His move from elite sport to civic service exemplifies a path taken by several former athletes who have applied public recognition to local‑government work.