Just before his death, former MP Allan Peachey was enlisted by then Minister for Foreign Affairs Murray McCully to work on lifting education standards in the Pacific.
Now, eight years after his passing, his work in the Pacific continues, with his widow Jeanette a big part of that work.
On 26 June, at his beloved Rangitoto College where he served as principal, and where his widow Jeanette continues to work in the library, Allan’s desk and a collection of books were being prepared for shipment to Samoa as part of the “Furniture for Schools” initiative.
Allan Peachey was a lifelong educator. He served as the president of the Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand. He was a school teacher for many years and then was named as principal of Rangitoto College, New Zealand’s largest secondary school.
He later was elected to Parliament and chaired the Parliament's Education and Science Select Committee.
Allan declined a request to run for re-election to Parliament in 2008 because of his failing health. He died in November of 2011.
Allan’s widow Jeanette joined with members of Furniture for Schools Charitable Trust to see Allan’s desk, several books and sport equipment being readied for shipment on a container bound for Samoa.
Andrea (Andy) Morgan was on hand to thank Jeanette and Rangitoto for the gift. Andi is a part of the Furniture for Schools team and will be in Samoa to receive the shipment and distribute the items to schools who can put them to good use.
Jeanette Peachey was delighted to see her late husband’s old desk being shipped to Samoa.
“He would have thought it was fantastic,” she said.
“To think it’s being repurposed so that someone else can get some enjoyment out of it is wonderful,” she said.
Allan Peachey was a very positive, optimistic person, said Mrs. Peachey. “He would have been quite passionate about this kind of program,” sharing used furniture with other schools in the Pacific.
Members of the Rangitoto College community have been enthusiastic participants in various Furniture for Schools initiatives, sharing furniture, supplies and even a piano with schools in the South Pacific.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported a number of Furniture for Schools shipments to Pacific Island schools by arranging for delivery from New Zealand to various desinations.