Farewell Dear Peter Makita. We will miss your caring friendship and guitar playing. Your journey hasn't always been smooth, but you have kept on keeping on by using your many talents. Building and salesmanship just to mention a couple. Your, and Julie's, strong Faith has been an inspiration to us all. Rest in Peace now Peter 🙏🙏

Mum thought the world of Peter - and of you too, Julie. Her love for you both ran deep, expressed not only in her words but in her daily prayers. She carried Peter constantly in her heart, lifting up his health and wellbeing with quiet faith each day. She celebrated every step forward with genuine joy, and in the harder seasons - she felt those challenges deeply, holding them with compassion and hope. Peter brought Mum an immeasurable sense of comfort and delight, especially during the years when she was more confined to home. His musical gifting filled her space with life and beauty - each note a gentle reminder of her connection with her Dad, who played a number of string instruments - and this brought her great joy. Peter’s strong, steady presence gave her a deep sense of emotional security and his reassuring voice had a way of both settling and uplifting her. And that beautiful smile - it lit up her world, bringing warmth to her day. Peter was a true gift in her life, and she treasured him always. She will be dancing with him in heaven as he plays his guitar. Much love to you Julie as you navigate this new season – Arohanui.

We were in the Worship Team together for many years. The way you could play your guitar as an instrument of Worship to our Lord was beautiful. A man of wisdom and Worship. I know the reunion between you and my nephew Les will be so special. Sending love to Julie and all the family.

Peter and Julie, along with their two daughters, Kate and Amy, came into my life in 1990, to Rhema Family Church, Auckland. To describe Peter, through my eyes, would be a gifted, anointed and gracious gentleman. Loved Julie, Kate and Amy, with a big heart. Like David, in the Book of 1 Samuel, Peter played his guitar and sang, and it would change the very atmosphere in a room. A God given psalmist to the Body of Christ and served in many churches. He offered his gift so freely. It seems so many years ago, that I departed NZ, but the plucking of your guitar strings, still moves on my heart, as I write this tribute to your life, Peter Makita. Much love TIJ

Pete will now be singing and playing the most beautiful songs and enjoying the worship of heaven. He was an inspiration to us in so many ways and always smiled and had a gentle presence about him. Our loss but Heaven's gain.❤️ 🙏❤️

Papa Pete Thanku for being you. 🥰 A sales mentor and spiritual coach to me. You’re the only one Ive known who drank so much coffee !! 😂 The hours of coffees, being along side you, watching, listening and learning as you shared your stories and demonstrated how to walk in the power of Gods word. Love you Peter enjoy heaven.

My heart is filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow at hearing of dear Pete's passing. It's always tough to hear of friends passing. Pete was and is an inspiration. My first meeting happened many years ago at Kai Iwi Lakes on the west coast of Northland where we were running combined youth camp. He came, I think with a daughter (apologies hard to remember details - Amy?) to support us. Pete quietly set up his camp, got out his guitar, and played some great songs throughout the weekend. Many years later, my family were sent to Tauranga to pastor a fledgling church- Rhema Family Church, Tauranga. Pete and Julie came, and did not simply attend, but were planted with us. They were so generous and kind. Pete joined me in the worship team, and I learned much from his accomplished guitar playing. Pete is a son of encouragement (Acts 4.36)- a Barnabas to others. When I went through a cancer journey, I took great encouragement from Pete's faith and testimony. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend on May 5th, but my love and prayers are yours. Much love to Julie and all the family. Precious is the death of his saints, Psalm 116.15

Always ready to pick up his guitar to sing praise! Always ready to help! Faithful and willing to pray! A good and true friend.

Peter you will now be in heaven joining with my darling Mel playing your guitars - what blessings we had with you on guitar and Mel on drums giving praise and thanks to our Lord at Waihi Baptist. Blessings

The most beautiful, funny, caring grandpa and great-grandpa we could ever have wished for. No oceans could ever keep the love between us apart. Forever in our hearts, always 🤍