Porirua in the early days created strong bonds. Many family dynamics in play. Tony and I from Mana College worked together painting when school ended and off to VUW. He was open-doored by a driver bwhild bikingvat high speed down The Terrace in Wgtn. Lucky to survive. Concussion issues cost him all his study prior. Different subjects from me. That set him onto a better path. I was Best Man for his 1st marriage. I recommended him for another holiday wk job and we cut scrub and trees Wanganui and Orongorono. He tore a knee once and we carried him out of the bush and to hospital. Darn the $20 prize for goat kids! Next job I was crushed off my motorbike and in hospital on and off for 3 years. Tony was there for me. His next wedding, family, Mum gone, relationship changes for both of us. Mates always. Caught up every chance but yearly at best. Caught up recently but have been unable to contact recently. BUGGER!

Dear Sandra, I was so sorry to hear about Tony's passing. Although we only worked together at LINZ for about 15 months we instantly bonded through a shared love of cricket, quizzes, ridiculous comedy and sausage rolls. After moving to New Plymouth we made an effort to catch up every 6 months or so when he was done for work or to catch up with friends. Tony was always reluctant to spend too much time down here as it meant being away from you. Tony was very generous when I bought my first home. This coincided with his Mum going into a rest home. Tony sold me his Mum's fridge, lawnmower, washing machine and couches for a nominal amount, which made setting up my first home much easier. When working at LINZ Tony often seemed stressed but seemed to find the pace of life in New Plymouth much more to his liking. I appreciated the opportunity to stay with you in 2015 coming back from cricket world cup matches in Hamilton and enjoyed meeting Isaac and Lucy. I was hoping that once Tony reached retirement age we could meet up and go to some more cricket games, but not to be. Please accept my sincere condolences and hopefully you and your family can come together and support each other. Kind regards David Clode

I will be forever grateful for the opportunities Tony gave me. He hired me in late 2010 and introduced me to office culture and politics. Working with Tony was a joy—our days were often filled with Monty Python quotes and laughter. Tony loved morning smoko and seemed to know everyone. And everyone loved Tony. He was one of those people you just couldn’t help but like. During my time working under Tony, I got married and had my first child. He was always supportive, offering reassuring advice drawn from his own experiences. He spoke fondly of his two children and two stepchildren, and it was clear how much he loved them. I worked with Tony for around three years before he encouraged me to pursue new opportunities to further my career and better provide for my family. He embodied all the good qualities of a human being—kindness, honesty, generosity—and none of the bad. If I had to name a flaw, perhaps he was too honest at times. Tony is someone I will always remember fondly. My deepest condolences to Sandra and the family—he made it clear how much he loved you all.

I first worked with Tony on the Ngati Maru negotiations in Taranaki, and I know how dedicated he was to ensuring we had all the information we needed to return the land to iwi. I understand that dedication even extended to Tony undertaking weekend drives with family all around inland Taranaki to get a first hand look at all of the properties under consideration! Just as importantly, his work meant that iwi negotiators could make informed choices about the settlement package they could ultimately take back to their people. More than once, that meant changing plans and looking at alternative sites, and Tony's work would start all over again, but he was never phased by that. Always generous with his time, and straight-up about what he found. Having confidence in that information is critical to maintaining trust in negotiations. Tony's work certainly made my job easier, as I had complete faith in his advice. His was the sort of role that can sometimes get a little overlooked when it comes time to recognising the milestones in a settlement, but it is so important. I can think of one example where his research into a land parcel (a former urupa that had a road built through it) led to an acknowledgement by the Crown of a historical breach of the Treaty and its principles. I also count Tony as a friend. Like many others I enjoyed his earthy humour, although I'm not sure younger colleagues understood the cultural reference when he would greet me in the office with a "Hello Darling". We had many discussions over the years, some of them even about work. There may have also been code words for some people in the office so we could talk about them over the phone, although with Tony I always suspected he probably had one for me too. I am going to miss those talks. Thank you for allowing us to share in the celebration of his life yesterday, it was a privilege to be there and to say goodbye. I know he was proud of you all, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Tony. I loved sharing yarns, work stresses, but mostly laughs with Tony. And how he greeted me every time with "Hey Friend". Nui te aroha ki a koe e hoa, ki tō whānau hoki 🤍

My deepest condolences, it is an immeasurable loss. It was a privilege and a delight working with him, he just made everything better, be it a complicated documentation or team banter. He is deeply missed

Sending all our love today and always. I wish I could be there today. I’m sorry we can not be there today but our thoughts and hearts are with you all. Lots of love to you Sandra and family. The world has lost a beautiful man. RIP Uncle Tony xxxx

Interesting memories of the “fun “ times we had working on the Councils counters. Can’t forget your dedication to the job and your great sense of humour. Condolences to Sandra and the family. Can’t make the service but will be thinking of you at this time. Neill Hamill

To Sandra and family. Tony will be sadly missed by a lot of people. Thinking of you all at this sad time. John and Jeanette Paki Paki

Tony, you have taken your final bow and you are going to be hugely missed. Thank you for all the laughter and entertainment you brought to the stage and for all your hard work. Love and condolences to Sandra and your family. Rest easy x

Haere rā, Tony I’ll treasure the fond memories of working alongside you in the GIS team at NPDC. You brought laughter to every moment and taught me a lot. It’s deeply saddening that you had to leave us so soon. Sending strength, love, and much mana to your whānau during this time. Rest easy mate.

Hello there to Sandra and the family. I'm so sorry to hear of Tony's passing, It was great working with him when we were both at the NPDC. Nothing was ever a problem and there was always a humourous one liner tossed into the conversation here and there. I'll always remember him as a great workmate and a special person. Best wishes to you Sandra and the family at his time. Best wishes Vicki

To Sandra and family Tony was always up for a chat in passing whether that was at his desk, or in the carpark. He spoke of at least one of you during many of our short chats. It was clear he loved you all. Lean into the people that surround you during this time. Hold dear the stories and the memories that are shared - draw strength from them for the days, weeks, time ahead. Take care of each other. Raewyn

Dear Sandra and family I was so sorry to read about your los l. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whanau Nga mihi Winnifred Morris

Tony’s passing is such a shock and so sad. My heart goes out to you all Sandra, Isaac, Lucy and Nicole. Whilst very private, it was clear from the stories he shared that Tony loved you all dearly. I was so lucky to have worked closely with Tony for about eight years. He was a joy to work with - so dedicated, so driven, so hard working, so reliable and so much fun. Tony was a very principled worker, with a lot of integrity, always willing to go an extra mile if it was needed. Most important though, he was also up for a joke or a bit of shared gossip at the end of a difficult day. There’s a piece of my heart that will carry the wonderful memories I have of traipsing through paddocks with Tony. May he rest peacefully. With much love, Lu

So sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was such a precious soul and friend. A man of great integrity, fun and wit. I am going to miss him so much. Thinking of you Sandra and family in these tough times and sending my love.

Dearest Sandra. My sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of Tony. Build precious memories of a man devoted to his family. Sorry can't share time with you on Monday but my thoughts are with you and the family.

To Sandra and family, so so sad for you all. My heart breaks for you. Thinking of you all and sending lots of love and hugs❤️. Tony was a lovely guy and loved you all dearly.Rest peacefully Tony.

Tony, thankful for our chat recently. I didn't know it would be our last. Sandra thinking of you so much right now

Mate, this is a shock to lots of people. I will miss our chats at work. We never did get to that game of snooker and that is something I will always regret. Rest easy mate. My deepest condolences to your family at this tough time.

I have always, and will always, cherish the time we spent together at NPDC. I will forever carry you in my heart; I hope we meet again my friend. To Sandra, the kids and the rest of the family - I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing I can say will ease your pain, but he sure did love you and was so very proud.

Words fail to hold the sorrow your leaving brings to your work whānau and your loved ones at home. I’ll forever cherish the warmth of our talks — of life, family, and our shared connection to Taranaki. Rest high among the stars, e hoa — may our journeys meet again someday. Kua whetūrangitia koe.