Over his 75 years in Motueka, Peter Assaf became a beloved local identity, remembered for his unflagging optimism, relentless hard work and deep affection for the town that captured his heart.
Peter died last year, aged 96, but his legacy lives on, not only in his wife Laurel, their children and grandchildren, but in countless corners of Motueka and Golden Bay.
Many of his stories are shared in his memoir Knocking on Doors, published in 2024, which traces his childhood in Lebanon and the decades that followed in New Zealand.
Peter arrived in Motueka from Lebanon as a 20-year-old, leaving behind his mother and four sisters to cross the seas and join his father Joe, whom he barely knew. After the bustle of Sidon, Motueka initially felt shockingly sleepy and small, but his natural industry and enthusiasm soon saw him fall in love with the town.
Anyone who has lived in Motueka has likely brushed shoulders with Peter’s endeavours. He was a founder of the town’s aeroclub, a member of the Our Town Motueka committee and the driving force behind establishing Muses Café. Many locals will remember his store, Assaf’s Fashions, the High Street store started by his father Joe that for decades stood pride of place in the centre of town.
Peter also built relationships across the wider district, driving his van packed with wares to visit families in Golden Bay. Wyllies, Smiths, Rileys, Pomeroys and Langfords are among the many who feature in his recollections.
Lebanon remained close to Peter’s heart. He returned many times, staying deeply connected to family there and sharing his love of the food and culture with friends in Motueka.
His oldest daughter Heidi says when she pictures her father now, she thinks of him smiling and always on the move, whether meeting people in downtown Motueka or heading oversees to be energised and inspired by new sights and ideas.
“We’re so proud of his relentless optimism, gregarious personality and self-assured determination to improve things for his family and the community,” she says.
“He instilled in us and his grandkids playfulness, ambition, love of family and a Christian imperative to be generous in helping others through the success you have.”
Peter’s memoir, life and legacy will be celebrated at Te Noninga Kumu-Motueka District Library on Monday, 16 March at 5.30pm. His three daughters, Heidi, Nadia and Jodie, will be at the book launch alongside Laurel.
Books will be for sale for a koha, with proceeds going to Keep Motueka Beautiful – a fitting testament to a man who saw the beauty in Motueka and its people throughout the 75 years he called it home.
