Ngati Hei kaumatua Peter Johnston Snr will be sadly missed.
With the passing of Ngati Hei kaumatua Peter Johnston Snr, a bright light has gone out.
"Our condolences go out to Ros and the whanau," says Mayor Glenn Leach.
"Peter would have been one of the most balanced, fair-minded guys I've ever worked with. What I loved about Peter was
that it didn't matter who you were or what you were, his respect and fairness was his balance in life, and his passing
is a sad time for the Coromandel."
Peter passed away peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his loving family, at age 74 after a period of sickness.
Peter was a integral part of the establishment of Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, led by example and
was a man many in the community looked up to.
A celebration of Peter's life will be held tomorrow at Crossroads Church, 36 Cook Drive, Whitianga, at 11am. Following
the service, Peter will be conveyed to the Ko-Te- Ramatiti Marae, Wharekaho for those who wish to pay their last
respects.
Peter will be laid to rest at Ko- Te-Ramatiti Urupa, on Sunday 5th October at 10am.