Peter has been involved as a Trustee since the inception of the Opotiki Community Foundation in 2009. Later when in discussions with Sir Stephen Tindall, (of the Tindall Foundation) Peter realised that the Opotiki Community Foundation would need to broaden its base to become a really effective and sustainable change agent in the future of the region. As the original Chairman, he oversaw the 'morphing' of the Opotiki Community Foundation to become the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, as it stands today. Peter is a very generous philanthropist who works hard to ensure a better future for the district.

Peter is a part of a well known, well respected and established farming family in Opotiki, residing with his wife Marnie in the Woodlands area. They have four sons, and a number of grandchildren locally and overseas. Peter's interests have included orchard operations off shore, as well as investment into life-changing medically based research and development. The family are significant employers in the Opotiki District.

A number of years ago Peter shifted the main focus of his farming operation from dairy cows to growing kiwifruit. His interest in the industry has gone much further than the farm gate, with well over fifteen years representation as a director of OPAC, particularly during a rapid growth phase, much of this time he had the role of  Chairman. He is a trustee of the OPAC grower funds and a member of its payments and distribution committee.

He is also a shareholder of the community led mussell farming and processing operation in Opotiki.

Peter's wise counsel and gentle manner makes him very approachable. He not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, continuing to be a generous and ardent financial supporter of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation. He has a keen eye for great design work and appreciates art and sculpture in its many forms.

The Trustees voted to appoint Peter as the Patron of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation in 2021, in recognition of the role he has played in creating this community asset,  and look forward to his continued guidance and influence in growing the Foundation, right here in the Eastern Bay.