Neville Douglas Peat

To me, Neville's most outstanding skill was his ability to write about scientific research making it understandable to lay people, but retaining the fine points of the scientific results. In my experience this is a far more difficult thing to do than it would seem.

Very sorry to see that Neville has passed away. We were classmates at Taieri High School. We’ve caught up with each other over the years at class reunions and I have a signed book from him. Although I don’t know his family I would still like to offer my sincere sympathy to them. Sadly our group is getting depleted.

So pleased to share in Neville’s memorial and hear about his remarkable life. Thinking of you and your family in our prayers and that you will all know Gods blessings and peace. Chris Shaw and Floki the Vizsla (Bacon Track).

Saddened to hear of Neville's passing. I worked with Neville over a number of years on bio-diversity and other projects in and around the Wanaka area. Always enjoyed his company and his depth of knowledge was remarkable. His contribution to conservation was outstanding and his legacy will last for many years. My sympathy to Mary and family.

Dear Mary and Sophie, Pat and I are very sorry to learn of Neville’s death, and we would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your families. I have always been in awe of Neville’s writerly energy and productivity. When we were lucky enough to move into the house next to yours, I felt his presence as a writer as an inspiration, and regarded him as an important part of the ways in which Broad Bay fostered writers and artist of all kinds. You and Neville were always excellent neighbours to have, and as I have said, we were fortunate to have those years nest-door to you in Cowal Street. To add a particular memory: I remember having to catch the first flight to Wellington for a Ministry meeting, and waking to find there had been a heavy snowfall during the night. Even though I called the shuttle firm to warn the driver, he still drove down the hill at about 6 am – and promptly slipped off Gwyn Street while trying to turn his shuttle plus its trailer around in the snow and ice. As I struggled to push and dig him out, suddenly I realised that Neville was there to help me, in is dressing gown and boots, and with a snow-shovel! To cut a long story short, I did catch my flight – but it was thanks to the help of the best neighbour in Dunedin! Alan and Pat Roddick 15/36 Shetland St Wakari Dunedin 9010 alanroddick24@gmail.com

Dear Mary, Sophie and Whānau We are sending you all much love and strength during this very sad time. We hope that these next days can be a special time with loved ones to celebrate the wonderful person that Neville was and how much he contributed and shared. Thinking of you and sending you much Aroha Kirsty and Shane and whānau

Dear Mary, Sophora and family We were very sad to hear that Neville has died and we send our sympathy and condolences. When we think of all that Neville has written and accomplished, it’s hard to think of anyone who has contributed more to Aotearoa/ NZ and to conservation. What a fulfilling and significant life he has had. We were really pleased to be part of his Prime Minister’s Award ceremony in 2004, and to have the chance to re-connect with you both then. We hope the celebration of his life on Saturday is a satisfying occasion and the next while is not too hard an adjustment for you, all the very best, Bill and Dinah

Neville was an inspiration and will be missed not just by his family and friends but the wider community. He was long-term friend of our family, especially our Dad, and he is a loss. His death leaves a hole, he will be deeply missed.

To the Peat family, my sincere condolences, as a family we lived just along the road from where the Peat family lived in Mosgiel all those years ago, I knew Neville's brother Russell and just wonder if Russell could make contact with me when the time is right. Regards Ivan Martin

We need more people like Neville in this world. I was proud to have him as a friend, and will miss him deeply. Neville words, and the work he did to protect the natural world will remain with us. What a legacy. My thoughts are with Mary, his family, and all who loved him.

Neville will always be remembered as an amazing conservationist, author and friend, always happy to share his wealth of knowledge, whilst remaining humble. I am proud to have been part of his life and to be able to continue to be through Mary, Soph and family.

Dunedin, indeed Aotearoa NZ has lost a hero. Neville was the best ever- so talented, knowledgeable and an amazing advocate for the environment and humanity.And equally a wonderful loving partner to Mary, adoring dad to Sophie, cherished pop to Gracie, Oscar and Florence, and treasured friend to so many. We will miss you Neville, always remembered.