On October 30th 2025, Tyler West died from complications stemming from a major cardiovascular event he suffered on Labour Day, October 27th, 2025.
Tyler moved in several circles around Ōtepoti Dunedin and throughout the motu. Many people in local music scenes, the local left, and of course his whanau called him a loyal friend, son, brother, and comrade.
The death of someone so young is always a unique tragedy, and his loss will be felt acutely by the Otago Socialist Society and members of the left in Ōtepoti more generally. Tyler was an active OSS member, a serious historian and archivist of socialist/left politics in NZ, and a committed socialist who believed in his heart that a better world is possible.
We will no longer see him standing on a bench to take a head count at a rally. No one will ever again receive a message from him asking for an interview about the life of a socialist organization that fizzled out in the 2000s. We will never hear him speak at a demonstration about the historical struggles our struggles today are tied to.
This meeting is intended as a memorial service for members of the left in Ōtepoti Dunedin who knew Tyler to commemorate his service and political commitments. There will be time for many people to get up and speak. All who knew Tyler and felt a sense of political camaraderie with him are encouraged to come along and will be warmly welcomed.
Also check out other Workshops in Dunedin, Meetups in Dunedin.
