Peter RANKIN Obituary

Peter was one of the most alive and positive people I have known. When I worked with him at the NZ Planning Council his support and fine-tuned critiques boosted my confidence and analytical skills. When our paths crossed through VSA's South Africa programme, he brought the same optimism and creative energy to the challenges of economic development in the Eastern Cape. I feel so privileged to have known Peter as a boss, colleague and friend.

Máire Dwyer

Very sad to hear about the passing away of
Peter. Met Peter and Theresa when I was Africa Programme Manager for VSA and it was a great joy to have both of them on our programme in South Africa. Peter brought such great skills and experience to VSA and yet he was so humble. My deepest condolences to the family. May his wonderful soul RIP.

I am so sorry that I have not been able to attend Peters funeral. I am recovering from an operation at my daughters home and only just got the news.
I worked with Peter at the NZ Planning Council and much enjoyed his good sense and good humour while balancing the complex issues which we were monitoring and commenting on. My sincere condolences to Theresa and Peters family. My love and best wishes are with you.
Judith Davey

I met Peter through my friend Theresa, and have shared lovely conversations with Peter over a meal. I know Peter to be a devoted husband, kind of heart, with a wide open mind he was definitely a man of the world. His love of people and love of life shone through. He will be missed. Much love to all his family. Mary Brownlow

I first met Peter in South Africa in 2003 when we were both advisers to the Buffalo City Council, East London.
Peter was always a willing sounding board for issues I found at the Council and we soon became good friends.
Meredith and I greatly appreciated the times we spent with Peter and Theresa.
Our friendships continued after South Africa and we have visited each other a number of times, in both New Zealand and Australia.
My only gripe with Peter was he would never agree with me that we should swap our Prime Ministers.
It is very disappointing that we cannot attend Peter's funeral because of COVID-19 restrictions but I am very thankful that I made Peter's 80th birthday celebration.
On that occasion it was obvious the high regard and affection family and friends from all over felt for Peter. All very much deserved.
We will miss Peter and treasure the special memories we have of him.
Our deepest sympathy to Theresa and family.

I first met Peter when working for the New Zealand Planning Council. Peter was an inspirational leader. He forged together a coherent team of quite diverse researchers dealing with often challenging topics. A friendship developed. This was further reinforced when Peter and Teressa moved to Paekakariki. Peter quickly became part of the community and as part of this helped develop ideas that would eventually underpin the Wainuiwhenua project. His sharp intellect, his wide ranging knowledge, his great people skills and his friendship will be greatly missed.