Farewell Rangiora stalwart
The passing of Peter Allen has left a void in the Waimakariri community.
Allen, who was a Waimakariri district councillor, died on Wednesday morning after suffering from an illness for several months.
Rangiora Ashley Community Board chairman Jim Gerard said Allen was a good friend who he respected.
Gerard, who worked with Allen for many years in several roles, said Allen’s impact on the community was ‘‘incredible’’.
‘‘Peter was just a natural leader in community organisations, his input was just huge.’’
Gerard said Allen was ‘‘always open minded’’ and listened to discussions around the table.
‘‘He was full of fun, good humour, approachable and dedicated to his family.’’
He said Allen was highly respected in the community and ‘‘gave his all’’ to organisations he was involved with.
‘‘When you lose anyone who has a huge input into the community, and really cares, it leaves a considerable gap.’’
Allen moved to the district in 1990 after being appointed Rangiora High School principal, a role he held until 2003.
His oversaw implementing consultive management, where students, teachers, parents and the school community have input into the school.
Allen was among a group of principals asked to advise the Ministry of Education on the design of NCEA.
He is remembered in the school for focussing on the whole child, his bicultural approach and his love of the outdoors.
Under Allen’s leadership, the school first set up a student council.
He left the role to become director of the Teacher Advisory arm of the Christchurch College of Education.
Soon after arriving in Rangiora, he became involved with the Rangiora Rotary Club, serving in several roles including president.
He was involved with the North Canterbury Alpine Trust, which operates the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre in the Lewis Pass, where Allen attended school camps.
In 2010, Allen stood successfully for the council. He was reelected in 2013 and 2016. He was the councillor for Rangiora Ashley.
Throughout his time on the council, Allen championed the community development portfolio and played a role in the recovery following the Christchurch earthquakes.
‘‘Peter was just a natural leader in community organisations, his input was just huge.’’
From these efforts stemmed his appointment to the Rural Canterbury Primary Health Organisation, eventually becoming deputy chairman.
Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers said Allen was a ‘‘thoughtful and well-prepared’’ councillor.
‘‘He weighed up the different sides to issues carefully, assisted by his academic background as a geographer.
‘‘His astuteness will be very much missed around the table.’’
Early this week, Allen’s community contributions were recognised at the Waimakariri Community Service Awards.
Allen was raised and educated in the Waikato. He spent time in Te Puke, the United Kingdom, Dargaville and Taupo while pur- suing an education career.
He was known for his love of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and canoeing. He took part in the Rakahuri Rage biking event in March.
Allen is survived by his wife, Helen, daughter Catherine Bish, sons Stephen and Michael and three grandchildren.
Peter Allen 16.12.45–30.08.17