Peter SUTTON Obituary

Nga mihi mahana Peter and Joan for your life well lived. You inspired me and many others educational psychology skills, paper on bonding and timing of adoption, banjo playing interludes, cheeky smile and strategic planning to tautoko the kaupapa of human rights, as foundation members of advocacy groups in your Dunedin days including CARE. Belated condolences to John and Sue. Our last memory was visiting at Christmas perhaps 30 yrs ago. Thankyou Moe Peter raua ko Joan i tou korua moenga roa .

Certainly Peter's life can be described as a life well lived. He was always there, in so many capacities, for all the right reasons. A dear and generous man.

Peter has been an admired member of U3A Nelson. He convened both a Jazz-appreciation group, as well as an Opera at the Met group. In April 2016 he really showed his commitment when U3A desperately needed someone to be the President, and he offered to stand. He guided U3A through a year with quite a few vexing problems which he took in his stride. He went on to represent us at the RATA Foundation's 2017 AGM at the Trafalgar Centre. Following his year as President in 2018 I would imagine his personal high spot was winning First Prize in the Unpublished Poets Section of the 2017. The prize was a medal, a Certificate, $500 and an invitation to the Burns Dinner !
He has represented us at the Nelson Tasman Positive Ageing Expo, indeed he was in the paper seen hobnobbing with the Minister for Seniors, Tracey Martin.

And he was my friend. I often called in and enjoyed a cuppa with Peter, and was sometimes able to assist when his computer got a glitch. One of his friends said he as a lovely, caring, gentle, sweet man a tribute I endorse. Farewell Peter.

So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Such a valiant warrior for human rights and who dedicated decades of his life to Amnesty International. From grassroots advocate to the chair of Amnesty NZ he brought a huge passion for human rights and particularly the protection of children's rights to the Amnesty whanau - nationally and globally. Together with his wife Joan he formed the Children's Rights Network - which was instrumental in Amnesty's lobbying work to end Section 59 of the crimes act (the much misnamed anti-smacking legislation). He was a great media spokes for us as chair and regularly interviewed on child rights.

When I first joined Amnesty he offered much support, wise counsel and a place to stay when I visited Nelson. He was mischievous, a great story teller and a committed advocate.

Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane

The totara has fallen in the forest of Tane. A mighty Totara has fallen.

On behalf of his Amnesty whanau condolences to all his family, Rona and friends. May he rest in the peace he so long dedicated his life to working towards

Sympathies to Rona and all Peter's family. We have lost a very learned man - a life well lived, a man who contributed so much, to so many
Sincerely, Wendy Cornish and Tony Gimson, U3A Nelson

Sympathies to Rona and all Peter's family. We have lost a very learned man - a life well lived, a man who contributed so much, to so many
Sincerely, Wendy Cornish and Tony Gimson, U3A

A good man. Cheeky, but good.

A dear man who was always a smiling presence. His absence will leave a sad gap at our talks and gatherings.