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Peter LUKE
LUKE
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Peter LUKE

Peter Neil LUKE

Peter LUKE Obituary

On Friday 12 April, 2024 peacefully at his home, after a lengthy illness aged 65 years. Much loved partner of Sonya van de Geer. Dearly loved son of (the late) Mac and Joyce Luke, and loved brother of (the late) Stephen. Loved and respected friend of Jill and (the late) Maurice van de Geer, Chris, Kirsty, Karen, John, Alisha, Jayden, Nelleke and Lief. At Peter's request a private cremation has been held. There will be an opportunity to celebrate Peter's life in both Wellington and Christchurch at a later date. Messages to the family may be left in Peter's tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or posted c/- PO Box 7123 Wellington 6242.
May he rest in love and peace.


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Published by The Post from Apr. 17 to Apr. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter LUKE

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3 Entries

Michael Rentoul

November 25, 2024

I met Peter when I joined the press gallery for the Press in 1993 and worked with him there until my return to the main office in 1998. He was obviously bright academically, and enjoyed the company of many women friends, in particular.

Peter was a valued mentor (I was just 28 when I joined). He looked after economics and finance stuff while I focussed on social policy.

We were often the only two left at the office at night, though by that time we might have repaired to the Beehive bar.

I recall one morning he ticked me off for having missed some big story from the night before; I must have gone home early. He was not afraid to assert his authority when needed, which impressed me. We were not just colleagues, but I also thought of him as my unofficial boss.

I recall one night as we knocked out budget coverage together; Peter had a steady supply of beers going (we could order in, mysteriously, or did we buy them as six packs at the bar?) and was furiously puffing away at his cigarettes as he knocked out what was to be the next day's front lead.

I invited him and a few young friends from the Beehive to my 30th birthday at an ex-worker's cottage in Newtown, Wellington, where I lived with my partner. He did not look comfortable there, as he was out of his political element, but still he came.

We drank together too many times to remember, including once when I dropped by Christchurch to see him.

I had moved overseas by then but contacted Peter on a visit to see my family. I had heard that Peter himself had moved to the main office, where he was writing editorials.

He met me downstairs at a local bar, the first and only time, I think, that we were to drink in Christchurch. He had barely changed, though he looked happier and less stressed than during his Wellington days.

I think about him often and about that phase in our young lives when we could afford to dream big, as a former press secretary friend of mine put it once. I have not kept in touch, I am sorry to say, but would like to send my condolences to his partner and her family.

Michael Rentoul
Bangkok

Claire Ramsay

April 25, 2024

Peter you were one of the best writers and the most intelligent person I ever worked with. I never did learn to do cryptic crosswords, despite your patient guidance!! You were a wonderful friend. I am sad that we hadn't seen each other for a couple of years, and send my love and sympathy to Sonya. Rest in Peace Peter x x

David McCarthy

April 21, 2024

Lukey.Character in his years at the Press,quick smile,astute thinker,concise writer,seeker of facts conspiracies and gossip as recreations and always accurate in all.Gone too soon

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Memorial Events
for Peter LUKE

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