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Mervyn Hancock

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Description: Merv Hancock pictured in the Non-Fiction zone of the Central Library, Palmerston North.

Born and bred in Palmerston North, Dr Hancock attended Terrace End School and Palmerston North Boys High School before studying at Auckland University. He married Alison in 1950 and together they raised Mary, Michael and Brent.

His work as a child welfare officer meant moving around the country, and the family lived in Gisborne and Dunedin before settling back into life in Palmerston North in 1960. It is from here that Merv was able to make a significant contribution to the field of social work, and the community.

He was a one time City Councillor and was also instrumental in setting up a range of community organisations, including Methodist Social Services. In 2012 Hancock Community House in King Street was named in his honour.

Massey University stalwart Merv Hancock was celebrated and farewelled at his funeral at the Wesley Broadway Church in Palmerston North in 2016. He was in his 90th year.