Peter Mervyn GALT

I’m deeply saddened to hear of Mr Galt's passing. He was not only an exceptional legal mind but also a generous and patient teacher. I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement during my studies. Thank you, Mr Galt for your time and kind words over the years.

Simon, Tash, Amanda, Carmen, Carl & Gary, my thoughts are with you all. I had the pleasure of spending time with Peter while he was in hospital recently. We chatted about all sorts of things, he told me he had achieved everything he wanted to in life and he was at peace if it was his time to go. It was a great catch up, he was sharp and like the Peter I remember from years ago, he was looking good and chatted easily about the things he had enjoyed in his life….all of you, Judi and the enjoyment he had throughout his professional career and the people he had taught over many decades. I hope you are all doing ok, take care and look after each other.

I am so sorry to read of the death of Peter - a dear neighbour for many years to Brian and Margaret Hall and family in Queens Drive, Invercargill.
We had many happy times together with our children, yacht racing with the Southland Yacht club and both Peter and Brian were members for a long time in the Invercargill North Rotary club where there were many friendships formed. You will all miss him very much from your wider family and I send my very deepest sympathy to you all.

Amanda, Carmen, Carl, Gary, Simon & Tash and families.
My deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your Dad. I am thinking of you all at this time.
I can remember when Judy and Peter first got together. (I have a couple of photos somewhere of their marriage when you lived at Omega Place, Christchurch).
Treasure the memories. Sending love and condolences to you all. xx

For Peter- who performed in Shakespeare as well.
From "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare.
Our revels now are ended. These our actors, as I fortold you, were all spirits and are melted into thin air.
We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.
from Adele

He was a great friend and support to many - especially Russell and John.

Sending our thoughts to Peter's family. Your dad/step-father/gramps was full of kindness, quick wit and oodles of knowledge. He was generous in sharing this with others, investing hours in training young lawyers and Southern learners alike, all with good humour and encouragement. His love of cars and motorsport was boundless (at that time French cars were the flavour) . Discussions about gardening could easily round out the rest of a drive, with he and Judi creating lovely spaces together. Rest easy Peter. After a life well-lived in service to the law and your community, you've earned it..

Peter’s 60 years of dedication and commitment to SIT have been nothing short of remarkable. Across decades of service in the classroom, and at the negotiation table crafting MOUs, he just delivered, consistently, reliably, and with integrity.

His lectures weren’t just educational—they were an experience. A masterful storyteller, Peter had an ability to turn legal concepts into vivid narratives drawn from his own vast professional experience. His wit, humour, and well-timed anecdotes captivated, and he made complex subjects engaging, and memorable. He made time to catch up with ex-students and was always interested in what they were doing.

Peter was well respected by staff. We will miss the opportunity to chat with Peter. The range of topics covered were vast and interesting. His sharp intellect was matched by a generous spirit and a deep understanding of the role SIT played both locally and globally.

Peter’s legacy is profound: thousands of students influenced by his stories, many legal frameworks and partnerships shaped by his guidance, and a staff culture enriched by his presence.

I was very sorry to hear that Peter had passed (he became unwell and passed whilst i was overseas). I was also sorry i did not get to visit Peter before he passed. I worked for ten years as Peter's PA at Hewat Galt and have many happy memories of my time there. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. RIP Peter.