Who are the McKays? New Zealand woman dies in US robbery but ...

Trish and Doug McKay. Photo: Supplied

The wife of a well-known Auckland businessman has been killed in a robbery while at a shopping centre in California.

Patricia "Trish" McKay, 68, was pulled onto the road following a struggle during an attempted robbery and was killed after being hit by a car driven by one of the offenders.

Sergeant Steve Oberon of the Newport Beach Police Department said the incident was "surprising and shocking", especially as it occurred in a city generally regarded as safe.

Patricia's husband, Doug McKay, was with her at the time of the robbery but was unharmed.

But who are the McKays?

Patricia McKay was a mother, wife and friend and her family asked for privacy as they came to terms with her death.

"No words can express their sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia."

The New Zealand Herald reported one of Trish McKay's neighbours was in tears after learning of her death.

He told the Herald the McKays were just beginning to enjoy life as grandparents and Trish McKay "loved being a grandmother".

"We are all in shock."

The neighbour told the Herald the couple were well-liked by their tight-knit community in Remuera.

"She was a lovely, lovely woman."

Another neighbour told the Herald Trish McKay's death was "just so tragic".

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he knew the couple well and Trish was a wonderful person.

"It's a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time."

He said he had "incredible respect" for Doug McKay.

Doug McKay announcing the findings of an Auckland Council review in December 2013. Photo: RNZ

He expressed the hope relatives and friends would surround them with love.

Auckland's deputy mayor Desley Simpson said in a Facebook post she was "beyond devastated" to hear of McKay's death.

"Trish was the wife of Doug McKay who was (amongst other significant roles) the inaugural CEO of the amalgamated Auckland Council.

"Trish was amazing- funny, loyal, and loving. My absolute deepest sympathies to Doug and her family."

Doug McKay

Doug McKay was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for his contributions to business and local government.

He has held governance roles in a number of large businesses including Fletcher Building, Genesis Energy, Ryman Healthcare, Insurance Australia Group New Zealand Ltd, Bank of New Zealand, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

He is also a former chairperson of Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Group and former Auckland City Mission board member.

Doug McKay was the first chief executive of the new 'supercity' Auckland Council when it formed in 2010. He left that role in 2013.

In 2020, a Gulf News article reported McKay had to apologise for comments he made about Waiheke Island locals in which he said the place was "full of lunatics and activists".

He said his comments, which were picked up by a microphone he did not realise was on, were regrettable.

"I would like to say my comments were flippant and regrettable, and although they were made privately, they ended up public. It was inappropriate, and I should not have said them in any context," he was reported as saying.

From left, Auckland Transport chairman Lester Levy, rail link project manager Steve Hawkins, mayor Len Brown and council chief executive Doug McKay pictured in 2013. Photo: RNZ

Doug McKay also served on the BNZ board for more than a decade, and most recently acted as it chairperson before leaving that role.

In a statement, chief executive Dan Huggins said: "On behalf of all of us at BNZ I have conveyed our deep sadness and heartfelt condolences to the McKay family for the sudden and tragic loss of Patricia (Trish) McKay."

He said Doug and Patricia had been a big part of the company family.

"Our thoughts at this time go out to both Trish's family, to Doug and the McKay family, and we are doing all that we can to support them at this time."

Doug McKay currently sits on the board at Vector as an independent non-executive director and chairperson. He was appointed on 29 September 2022.

He is also an independent non-executive director of National Bank Australia and has been since February 2016. He is also a member of its Board's Audit and Customer Committees.