Obituary
Warren Male - the Maleman to his mates, Mr Radio to just about everyone else on the Coromandel, died on Friday, 12 June 2026, a week shy of his 76th birthday.
Warren Male Memorial Service
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Pauanui Club
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (NZST)
Online live stream (click the link or copy and paste it into your browser):
https://teams.live.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fmeet%2F9386229612271%3Fp%3DJI1n6RFYzA3WzYfMrT%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meet&deeplinkId=c5606596-b16b-479a-85db-724dc8d0a85b&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true
Radio found Warren early and he never let it go. His Coromandel story begins in the summer of 1977 with Radio Sam, broadcasting from the Pauanui shopping centre to holidaymakers via a transmitter on Slipper Island - the east coast's first taste of its own radio. On Boxing Day 1990 he went further, launching Coromandel FM from Pauanui and growing it within a year into a full-time operation out of Thames, covering the Coromandel from Paeroa to Coromandel town. Making independent local radio work in a market this size took persistence, personality, and a genuine conviction that this place deserved a voice of its own.
He later sold Coromandel FM to MediaWorks and remained the recognisable face of Coromandel radio through that era. When that chapter closed he never really stopped - spending his final three years back with the CFM team, still running his summer beach promotions, still full of ideas, still picking up the phone.
Off the airwaves, Warren was everywhere - MC-ing events, championing local businesses, turning up to community functions, handing out iceblocks on summer beaches. Unmistakable in his signature sunglasses and bold style, he was one of those people who made every main street feel more alive.
Warren is survived by his wife Angie and family; his sister Dee and her family; his brother Graeme and his family; and his nephews and nieces Marcus, Simon, Todd, Sam, Pascalle, Danica, and Robby.
The Coromandel has lost one of its great originals. Rest easy, Maleman.
Memory wall
He was a 'one off', as large as life, a rare person one does not often have the privilege to know.
Charming, chatty, confident and a people person through and through, that was Warren.
Courteous, debonair, impeccably dressed and oh so stylish! He was a collector of everything fine from furniture to art the quirky and the beautiful. He would greet you with a ready smile and always a sense of humour.
His passing has created a void - we are so sorry Angie and our kindest thoughts and love go out to you and to his family.
Rosie and Rob
continued our friendship. I am very sorry to hear of your passing and my thoughts go out to Angie and your family. RIP
People say we must learn walking in other peoples shoes to understand …We decided to wear your famous Shirts You gave me in February when I was in Pauanui ..We wear them, we do not understand ..but we feel and we will Not forget . Thank You for the Moments we could Share with you in Germany , in NZ or even during our very Special Dinner evening in Pauanui in February this year . We will meet again . Andrea & Oliver & Nacho
Little 7 month Milo would have loved to meet his uncle Wal with his colourful shirts and cheeky smiles; they would have been great pals, I know it 💔
RIP Warren. You will be sorely missed by many on the peninsula.
On behalf of everyone at Hoppers, we were deeply saddened to hear of Warren's unexpected passing.
Warren has been part of the Hopper story for many years, dating back to the early days of Pauanui Waterways. From the memorable "Hopper Chopper Drops" to the many promotional initiatives and community events he supported throughout the Coromandel, Warren was always generous with his time, enthusiasm, and support.
More than that, he was someone who genuinely believed in people and in the communities he served. His positivity, professionalism, and willingness to help never went unnoticed. He was a great supporter of everything we did and a familiar face who was always a pleasure to work alongside.
Warren's contribution to the district, and to the many people and businesses fortunate enough to know him, will be long remembered. He will be greatly missed.
At this difficult time, please know that our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with you, your family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing Warren.
With sincere sympathy,
The Hopper Family
and the team at Hopper Developments
Love to Angie
Kay and Graham
Thank you for all those wonderful fun years in Thames. So pleased we caught up with you and Angie recently- as always lots of laughs.
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Heather and Gary
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