NZ Ski Pioneer Des Peters Passes

Des Peters ONZM passed away on Wednesday night. Des was a true pioneer of the New Zealand ski industry, and his impact on the sport is profound.

In 1968, Des became one of the very few New Zealanders certified with an internationally recognised ski instructor qualification. He helped establish the first professionally accredited and operated ski school at Mt Taranaki. During the mid‑1970s, he introduced the first stone‑grinding machines and snow‑making equipment on New Zealand ski slopes, innovations that helped extend seasons and improve conditions for skiers and snowboarders across the country. 

From 1974 to 1987, Des served as Secretary, Treasurer, and National Committee Member of the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA), leading the organisation as it developed into a nationally and internationally recognised certification body, supporting New Zealand instructors to gain qualifications for work at home and overseas.

He went on to serve as President and Vice President of the New Zealand Snow Industries Federation (1991–1997) and as Chairman of the Ski Areas Association of New Zealand (2005–2015).

In a statment NZSIA said "We are deeply saddened to share that Des Peters passed away peacefully on 14 January, with his family by his side. Des was a true pioneer of the New Zealand snowsport industry and a highly respected member of the NZSIA whānau. A member of the first New Zealand Interski team in 1979, Des played a significant role in the development of NZSIA, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and National Committee Member during a formative period for the organisation."

His passion, leadership and long-standing commitment helped shape NZSIA into the nationally and internationally recognised organisation it is today. Des’ contribution to snowsports in Aotearoa leaves a lasting legacy.

"We thank Des for his dedication and service to our community. He will be greatly missed."

Des was also recognised as an Honorary Life Member of the NZSIA (1983) and received the New Zealand Snowsports Council Contribution to Snowsports Award (1998). In 2022, his decades of service were formally honoured when he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the snowsport industry. 

Here is the bio that accompanied the official notice of bestowing the honour of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022.

"Mr Peters in 1968 as one of very few New Zealanders certified with an internationally accredited Ski Instructors Association, he returned to New Zealand jointly established the first professionally accredited and operated Ski School at Mt Taranaki. During the mid-1970s he introduced the first Stone Grinding machines and snow-making machinery and equipment to New Zealand’s ski slopes, helping to guarantee ski and snowboard seasons in our environment.

"Mr Peters was the Secretary, Treasurer, and National Committee Member of the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance from 1974 to 1987. During this time, he led a team that developed the organisation into a nationally and internationally recognised certification body, supporting New Zealand instructors entering the industry to gain qualifications for employment in New Zealand and overseas.

• NZSIA Secretary / Treasurer 1974 – 1987.
• Interski Team Manager Zao 1979, Sesto 1982.
• President and Vice President New Zealand Snow Industries Federation 1991 – 1997.
• Ski Areas Association Chairman 2005 – 2015.
• NZSIA Honorary Life Member 1983.
• New Zealand Snowsports Council “Contribution to Snowsports” Award in 1998.
• Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Snowsport Industry, 2022.

His work helped shape professional standards, governance, training pathways, and collaboration across ski fields including Ruapehu (Whakapapa and Tūroa) and Cardrona. Des’s leadership, innovation, and commitment lifted the industry and supported generations of instructors, operators, and mountain professionals.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Des’s family, and to his many friends and colleagues across the New Zealand ski community.