Peter HOLLAND Obituary

Just searching the internet for Uncle Peter Holland,he was a mythical figure in my life.As a 6/7 year old boy in the late 70's in Cape Town,I recall him fondly during apartheid South Africa as a friend of my beloved father who was one of a few white people we knew personally growing up but also the only New Zealander we knew.He always showered myself and my brothers with books and encouraged reading.James and the giant peach and Charlie and the chocolate factory are 2 books in particular.May his kind soul rest in Peace.Labeeb (myself),Moneeb,Ameerodien Levy.(brothers) ,Father Tahir Levy and Mother Fatima(RIP)

I just discovered of Peters passing. We were colleagues together at McGill U. in Montreal during the 1970s. I left for Michigan and he returning to NZ. We shared interests, publications and sent emails until his last one on 9 Jan. 2019. I now know why he has not responded to my inquiries. I so respected his kindness, knowledge, intellect and wit. He was a true academic with his students and colleagues ever on his mind. For some years and many months, I have looked forward to his letters and communication from half a world away. His last email spoke of his concern on upcoming surgery. I sensed something was not well when all communication suddenly stopped. RIP my friend, for you have shown us all what a gracious, professor should be. You are missed.

Dennis W Woodland, Prof. Emer.
Biology Dept., Andrews U., Berrien Springs, MI

As a research colleague of Peter for the last two decades, I found his positive attitude to life and boundless curiosity to be both refreshing and inspirational.

Peter, I will miss our conversations about research, life, and the world in general. You were the best mentor, colleague, and friend over the past 10 years, and I will greatly miss you. Thank you for everything you did for me, you will not be forgotten.

Peter had been a member of the University Club Inc since 1982 and was a Past President (1985). He will be sorely missed as a valued member of our community and our condolences are extended to the family.

Peter was an academic auditor for the then NZUAAU, later named the Academic Quality Agency.With his superb understanding of what makes a university tick he was a most insightful and effective auditor for many years. He was also kind and generous in his support to AQA and to fellow auditors. A wonderful gentleman to work with. Thankyou Peter. Jan Cameron (former Director, AQA)

The Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society deeply regrets Peter's passing. He was a highly valued member of the branch during his time at Canterbury and is fondly and gratefully remembered by his former colleagues, including myself. The Branch extends its condolences to Peter's family and friends.

Canterbury Branch Committee

The Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society deeply regrets Peter's passing. He was a highly valued member of the branch during his time at Canterbury and is fondly and gratefully remembered by his former colleagues, including myself. The Branch extends its condolences to Peter's family and friends.

Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society

Peter arrived from Canada to take up a lectureship at Canterbury soon after I was appointed a crucial time in the development of my career. He was an excellent academic and colleague, willingly acting as a great mentor. In addition to providing an inspirational role model, his generosity, patience and sage advice put me firmly on the right track. I owe him a great debt.

Peter taught in undergraduate classes I attended at Canterbury. He was a warm, passionate and enthusiastic scholar and first-rate teacher who made a lifelong impression on me. He made a great difference. He will be missed.

Peter was a fellow head of department and I always found him a delight to work with as assessor or just in our shared interest in pewter- Roger Frazer (retired University of Waikato)

Peter inspired my PhD study at the very beginning and kept interests in my research. It is very sad to know he passed away. I will miss you, Dr Holland. Xiaobin Hua

Many years ago, when I was an undergraduate, I had Peter lecturing me in biogeography and then he supervised my Honours dissertation. Peter's love for biogeography was indeed infectious and he was just such a lovely man - kind, humble and generous in his time. He was an amazing ambassador for geography and is already missed by the community.

Peter was a very kind and encouraging teacher and I know all my year group from Otago honours benefitted from his insight -I find it lovely that he was still listening to and writing about, young people's concerns (in a paper on resilience) with colleagues as recently as 2017- as student's of Otago's geography dept we are spread globally now but he was a real 'gentleman' and very fondly remembered. Y so many. Sending love and thoughts to his wider Holland family, Bronwyn Hayward

Peter was our pā harakeke. He nurtured us, he stimulated our research; most of all, he gave us friendship. Na Garth Cant

I fondly remember the year Peter supervised my thesis research at Canterbury. His infectious enthusiasm for biogeography was seemingly only surpassed by his love of Haydn operas - we spent more time discussing opera than on weeds. Peter was a lecturer who made a difference to his students.

Peter was a very caring and thoughtful man. I will greatly miss our conversations. My deepest symapthies to Peter's family and many friends and colleagues.

Peter was a patient of mine in Dunedin, an absolute gentleman with intriguing stories. I am very saddened by his passing.

Peter was a wonderful friend and colleague. I will miss him so very much. Tony Binns

loved cousin of the late Allan Murray and Vera Jackson and families

Peter was a close friend and colleague from high school days in Waimate. Later we shared a professional interest in the discipline of geography where Peter's personal contribution at senior tertiary level was widely known and admired among his peers. He will be sadly missed. Brian Lynch