May 4, 2015 11:00am by David Farrar

RIP Frana Cardno

Hundreds of people giggle as they flap their arms, turn in circles, and clap during a funeral.

This could only be the send off for former Southland District mayor and kindergarten teacher Frana Cardno.

In the picturesque setting of Ivon Wilson Park, Te Anau, mourners were greeted by the scent of beech trees as the sun dried rain from their leaves, and bellbirds sung from their branches.

I met Frana back in the mid 1990s when I was helping organise publicity for the Te Anau Scout Jamboree. Very smart and focused, and I noted each subsequent local body elections saw her re-elected as District Mayor for Southland.

She was Mayor of Southland District from 1992 to 2013. I doubt there was anyone who lived down there who did not know her.

Condolences to her family and friends.