In memoriam: Peter Hanson, New Zealand pioneer of destination merchandise retail

NEW ZEALAND. It is with immense sadness that we report the passing of Peter Hanson, one of the most-respected and long-term contributors to travel retail in New Zealand, following a short illness.

Peter was the founder and Director of Aotea Holdings New Zealand, a leading destination merchandise and souvenir retailer trading as Aotea Gifts.

He died on 25 October, aged 76. He leaves his wife Joan, sons Richard, Edward and Donald and grandchildren Hanneli and Olaf.

Peter Hanson and long-time friend and business colleague Sunil Tuli in 2006

Peter and Joan founded Aotea New Zealand in 1979, having acquired the Aotea Greenstone and Sheepskin Factory in Takanini (near Auckland). His enterprise began with only five employees but quickly evolved nationwide, with destination merchandise stores opened in Auckland central business district (CBD), Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown.

By focusing on high-quality New Zealand products, several stores were opened in the 1980s under the Aotea Souvenirs and Naturally New Zealand brands. Aotea has long been recognised by external travel and tourist bodies and is the only retail company accredited to Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

The business was badly affected by the tragic Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011, which forced the closure of the company’s three stores in the devastated CBD. The company subsequently sought opportunities elsewhere, opening in Tekapo and helping the small southern lakeside town become an established tourist destination.  In 2016, Aotea opened another store in Auckland and launched in Dunedin.

Peter with sons and Aotea co-owners Richard (left) and Donald [Picture: Mountain Scene, Voice of Queenstown]
Aotea New Zealand remains family owned, with sons Richard and Donald acting as Directors and Joan still playing an active role.

Peter and Joan Hanson have been constant and generous contributors to numerous charitable and social causes down the years. Peter also served as a Colonel in the New Zealand Army’s 16th Field Regiment for 27 years.

Long-time friend and business colleague Sunil Tuli, Group CEO of King Power Group (Hong Kong) said: “I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing away of my good friend, Peter Hanson. I met Peter over 20 years ago, and have shared a great friendship with him since, even serving on the Board of his company.

Joan and Peter Hanson at the wedding of Sunil Tuli’s son Karan in 2014

“Peter was a man who was deeply dedicated to his family, which is evident in the three wonderful men he and Joan raised, who now carry his legacy forward. He brought the same care and dedication into being a great leader throughout his career. Peter was kind and caring to everyone he came across. As a family, we have all had the privilege of enjoying the warmth and friendship extended by him and the entire Hanson family over the years. His loss in the world will be felt, and he will be missed greatly.

“We send our deepest condolences to his wife Joan, his sons Richard, Donald and Edward, and his entire family.”

The Moodie Davitt Report echoes those sentiments over the very sad loss of a fine man. Farewell Peter. May your warm Kiwi soul rest in peace.

Flying Kiwis together: Peter and Martin Moodie at the Tuli wedding
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