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Lamb & Hayward Westpark Chapel & Memorial Garden

467 Wairakei Rd., PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545

Christchurch, Canterbury

Oliver NEWBEGIN Obituary

On January 21, 2026, aged 89 years. Darling husband of Vicki, former husband and dear friend of Sue, loved and respected brother-in-law, much loved uncle, and a great friend and mentor to many. A visionary entrepreneur who brought ideas to life: co-founder of the Porsche Club of NZ, co-founder of United Travel, Passport United, Southern Cross Tours, Slalom Ski Lodge and Grasmere Lodge, and also a keen jazz musician with a lifelong passion for music. Sincere thanks to the staff of Ward B1, Burwood Hospital for their care of Oliver. Please email memories to [email protected]. Flowers respectfully declined. A celebration of Oliver's life will be held at Westpark, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, on Tuesday, January 27, at 10.00am, private cremation to follow. To watch a livestream of the service, please go to lambandhayward.co.nz/obituaries and click on the link in Oliver's obituary.


Published by The Press on Jan. 24, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Oliver NEWBEGIN

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13 Entries

Tricia Perrin

February 6, 2026

It is with great sadness David and I hear the news of Oliver's passing a few weeks ago. Condolences to you, Vicki, and to the undoubtedly broad network of people Oli's life would have influenced. We have fond and indelible memories of all to short a time with Oli and Vicki on the Gold Coast some years ago, and again more recently in Christchurch. The connection with you both has its origins in 1987, its legacy is a friendship that will endure. Love and calming, peaceful wishes to you Vicki.

Keith

January 29, 2026

Oh Oli, what a ride this has been. By my math's it over 50 years since first sharing directorships in United Stud farms Ltd & since then many more in things like real estate, construction, agriculture - there's too many to name. And its not all over, your legacy supporting budding musicians continues. You will be missed but us remaining Trustees as we step up to the mark with Vicki to deliver support to ARA Institute of Canterbury woodwind students into the future.

Chris Speight

January 28, 2026

Dear Vikki
Was greatly saddened to learn of Ollie's death. He was a wonderful man both in the travel world and of course the motor racing part. He always was so supportive. He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

You must be devastated. Have such fond memories of you both over the years.

Lots of love and good wishes.

Chis Speight

Bill and Anne Wade

January 27, 2026

Worked with Oli in Oamaru

Gwenda Owen-Cooper

January 27, 2026

So sorry to hear of Ollie´s passing. Our condolences to Vicki and family. Our time at Grasmere Station was very special. Regards Gwenda and Robin Owen-Cooper

Clare and Ryan Moss

January 26, 2026

Sending much love and sympathy to Vicki and family on the passing of dear Oli. We worked for Oli and Vicki at the beautiful Grasmere Lodge and truly appreciated his support of young people in the tourism industry. Memories of Oli include - jazz, Porsches, whiskey, a sharp witt and amazing hospitality. Much love Clare and Ryan Moss.

Brett Newling

January 26, 2026

I drove Southern Cross Tours from December 1975 to January 1977. They were the original camping tours of New Zealand (along with MoaTrek). The tours had a fun and comfortable night between Rotorua and Wellington, or visa versa, at Slalom Ski Lodge in Raurimu. I also took at least one school ski trip to Slalom for a week. While I never met Oli, I often heard his name mentioned. He was obviously a pioneering and visionary leader in New Zealand's tour and travel industry. I'm sorry we never met. Vale Oli. Requiescat in pace

Trisha Coyle

January 25, 2026

Deepest Sympathies to all his family - I had the privilege of working for Oliver in the early 70s at Slalom Ski Tours and Southern Cross Tours. He was an accomplished entrepreneur & travel impressario. Those were the good days. Trisha

Pamela Randell

January 24, 2026

Deepest sympathy to you on this sad loss of dear Oliver. Regards to you from Pamela and the late Jack Randell

Kris Poole

January 24, 2026

I worked for Oli and Barrie at United Travel. Oli was a true gentleman and someone who I had the highest regard and respect for. I am truly privileged to have known and worked for him . RIP Oli from Kris Poole

Ash Bellam

January 24, 2026

To all of Oli´s family past and present my sincere condolences. I worked for Oli and Barry at United Travel until 1979 and can only remember fun times with Oli. He was a great mentor and explained a lot about investing to me which has been of much use to me over the years. Always a good man to compare Jaguar and Porsche cars with. Sad day. RIP Oli you were a fun and smart man. Ash Bellam.

Beverley Hulston

January 24, 2026

Dear Vicky & family
Our deepest sympathies to you on the sad loss of dear Oliver.
Warmest thought & regards to you
From Bev & Graeme Hulston. ( Bev- née Hawkins )

Pixie Bayley

January 24, 2026

Dear Oliver, such a great friend over 50 years. I feel so lucky to have shared so many wonderful trips & musical memories with you.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Memorial Events
for Oliver NEWBEGIN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Lamb & Hayward Westpark Chapel & Memorial Garden

467 Wairakei Rd., PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545 Burnside, Christchurch 8053