Kia Ora,

Like many others in our community, we’ve been mourning the loss of our mate, Peter Johns. At the time of writing, details of Peter’s final farewell haven’t been confirmed, but they will be soon.

Peter served his community with passion for 15 years on council and was a fierce advocate for our district. But his love for Woodville was always clear. If he ever had to introduce himself to someone while at the council table, he’d always say he lived in the centre of the district, which was also the centre of the universe. And he meant it.

Peter leaves a big hole in a lot of places, in council and in the many clubs and groups he was involved with. He was active in so many things and, although he wasn’t exactly a quiet man by nature, he did plenty of good deeds quietly and without fanfare. He was always at a working bee, visiting a sick friend or checking in on someone who needed a hand.

But the hole he leaves is also where Peter’s legendary humour would be. Sometimes slightly inappropriate, but always funny and good-natured.

As strong as our sense of loss is, we know it’s his family who will feel it most. We got to borrow Peter, but he was theirs, and our hearts are breaking for them too.

We’re going to really miss you, mate. We’ll do everything we can to make you proud, and we hope you’ve got a glass of good Chardy up there with you, while you continue to cheer us on from afar.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks,

Mayor, Councillors and all staff at Tararua District Council.