12/06/2026
Former Grey District Town Clerk Peter Moreton led the council during the 1988 floods, and got to meet the Queen.
Mayor Tania Gibson and Chief Executive Jo Soderlund hosted him yesterday - just ahead of the 50th anniversary of when he first started working for Council, beginning a 22-year career that would see him help shape the district through some of its most significant changes.
When he first arrived in 1976, Council operated from Dennehy House. Next door lived the Smith family, who provided supper for councillors during evening meetings. “The Smiths would come over and tap on the door and say, ‘Supper’s ready,’” Peter recalled with a smile.
When plans were made to demolish Dennehy House and build a new office, Council staff relocated to leased premises in the Duncan Hardie Building for 12 months. Peter fondly remembers watching the new Council building take shape, designed by local architect Gary Hopkinson, before staff moved into the building that remains Council's home today.
During his time as Town Clerk, Council oversaw the construction of pensioner housing, projects that provided both much-needed homes and local employment. He also watched as wooden bridges throughout the borough were gradually replaced with concrete structures. The final bridge project became the Barry Dallas Bridge on Shakespeare Street. Peter laughed as he remembered the opening day. “It was pouring with rain, so they borrowed a shelter from the cemetery so the ministers could stand underneath it.”
One of the biggest changes during Peter's career was the 1989 local government reorganisation. The Greymouth Borough Council, Grey County Council and Harbour Board were amalgamated to form the Grey District Council, as part of reforms implemented throughout New Zealand. “The Local Government Commission made the decision, and that was it,” Peter said. “There was no choice.” Despite the scale of the change, Peter said the transition was managed without any redundancies.
Peter was also Town Clerk during the devastating 1988 floods, remembering long days and nights as the community responded to one of the district's most challenging events. He recalled the establishment of the mayoral relief fund to support affected residents and reflected on how Civil Defence was still in its infancy at the time.
Among his favourite memories was Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Greymouth in 1977. A large tent was erected on the Recreation Ground for lunch, with invitations and tickets issued throughout the community. Peter was fortunate enough to meet Her Majesty and still remembers the excitement surrounding the royal visit.
When asked what makes the Coast special, Peter shared a story about former Mayor Ozzy Jackson. “Ozzy used to say it's wet here,” Peter laughed, “but only at night.”
His affection for the district remains as strong as ever, and he is still a passionate advocate for local government. “It’s the best career you could take,” he said. “Variety is the spice of life.”
When asked what he is most proud of from his years of service, Peter's answer was characteristically humble. With a grin, he said the plaque on the Barry Dallas Bridge. “It mentions the Mayor, the councillors and the Town Clerk,” he laughed.
