Respected valuer, arbitrator dies suddenly

A former president and life member of the NZ Institute of Valuers, valuer and arbitator Iain William Gribble, 65, has died suddenly.

He was returning from a month-long world trip when he died suddenly in Japan on December 29. Funeral details have not yet been announced.

Matthew Taylor, a fellow partner in Mr Gribble’s firm, Gribble Churton Taylor, says the valuation industry has been shocked by the news.

“Ian was one of New Zealand’s most highly respected valuers. He gave of himself unselfishly for a long period of time. He was highly respected and universally liked – a larger than life character,”  Mr Taylor says.

Born and bred in Parnell, Auckland, Mr Gribble joined the Valuation Department as a cadet and rose to senior positions around the country: “He made friends all over New Zealand – he was a big man, happy, friendly but very, very sharp,” Mr Taylor says.

Mr Gribble went into private practice in 1987 and specialised in valuation work relating to the Public Works Act for central and local government. He was an arbitrator as well as a valuer.

“I don’t think there would be anyone who conducted as many arbitrations in the property industry as he did,” Mr Taylor says. “He took on a lot of difficult work and he worked hard this last year including the Ngati Whatua ground rent at Quay Park arbitration.”

NZ Arbitrator’s and Mediators’ Institute president Ranald Gordon, himself a valuer and arbitrator, says he has lost a kindred spirit in Mr Gribble.

“There are so few people who have dual skills in the property industry and in dispute resolution. Iain was highly respected both as a valuer and an arbitrator. He was very personable and he got the confidence of people involved in disputes very quickly.

“He was a valued friend and colleague and he had a very good sense of humour, which I will miss.

“He will be a big loss to the valuation and property industry and dispute resolution.”

Mr Gordon notes that few arbitrators have a Mr Gribble's specialist ability, particularly in rental disputes at a high level. He was also a life member of the NZ Property Institute. Mr Gribble is survived by his wife Heather, four sons (Rod, Callum, Dave and Robbie) and a daughter, Anne-Marie.