Wendy passed peacefully after a long illness throughout which she maintained incredible strength. The family wishes to thank John, and Bella, for their love and stoic support of Wendy. She will be sadly missed by family and friends.
- At Wendy's request, a private farewell will be held. A recording of the service will be available to view below on Thursday, September 24, where you can also leave a message.
Service details
The service was held on 23 Sep 2026.
Messages
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To John , Bella and family . I was so sad to hear of the recent death of Wendy . My late husband , Neville Peat, held Wendy in high esteem, both as a valued friend and as a publisher at OUP where they worked together publishing many of Neville’s books . Towards the end of last year we had a very enjoyable afternoon tea visit with Wendy at our home in Broad Bay and looked forward to meeting again in the new year . Sadly that was not to be.
Dear John, Bella and family, It is with much sadness that I learned of Wendy's death. Please accept my condolences to you and your extended family. I so much enjoyed having you as neighbours in Gladstone Rd as you transformed your hillside into your productive and beautiful 'town farm'. You were both so generous with knowledge, experience and thought. I still remember the placement of the quince, level with my front door. I loved the opportunities to read scripts from OUP. Thank you for taking my greenwaste away and showing me how to properly wind an extension cord. I will miss Wendy's lovely smile with which she greeted friends throughout even tough years. Kia kaha, Arohanui Polly
From the Waitati Community and the Blueskin Youth and Amenities Group Your encouragement helped us in so many ways, kept us grounded. Your insight was so helpful even when you were unwell you continued to support. We acknowledge your gift to the community, all those plantings, the beautiful Eastuary walk enjoyed by so many. you have left a legacy of service that has been outstanding we gratefully acknowledge that Gift.
Dear John and Family We will both miss Wendy hugely and will treasure our times of dinners, the long evenings, with delicious food, stories flowing, and best of all, Wendy’s voice as she told a tale, her laugh always a delight to hear. Those memories will stay with us. Conversations and stories are shape us all, and we will be forever grateful to have known Wendy’s. Sending much love to all the family, Damian and Mel
To John, and family. Ian, Lois and Bruce. It is with sadness on hearing that Wendy has passed. My thoughts are with you all. Love. Barbara Francis
I was sorry to learn of Wendy’s death, and would like to offer my sympathy to John and to the wider Harrex family. When I was Charles Brasch’s literary executor in the 1970’s I knew Wendy through her role at the Oxford University Press, and came to value her wide knowledge and helpful approach to the publication of Brasch’s works. Later, after moving to Dunedin myself, I was delighted to meet her again as the Publisher at the Otago University Press. It is very sad that Wendy’s life in happy retirement with John and the family has been so cruelly cut short. Alan Roddick
Dear John, and all Wendy's family. I am very sad that Wendy has left us. She was such a kind and generous person, giving so much to the people around her and to the environment. She showed so much courage throughout her illness. I was amazed when she returned to carry on with the Estuary project after being so ill and I felt very grateful to her for the wonderful tribute she paid to Neville Peat at his funeral. I didn't think then that her own would come so soon after. I feel very fortunate to have known her. My thoughts are with you all in your grief.
To John, Bella and family Our thoughts are with you. Wendy was a valued client and friend over a long period of time and a very special person. We worked together easily. I was always reassured that, when I sent her a proof, no error would ever go unnoticed. - Allan We last saw Wendy when she and John visited us, in Duntroon, during their Alps to Ocean biking trip. A relaxed and happy time chewing the fat, while taking in the sun on our veranda. Allan Kynaston and Trish Wilson
Dear John, I'm sorry to read of Wendy's death. May she rest in peace. As you know, I first met you and Wendy when you came to French evening classes. She was always lively, engaged, engaging, interested and interesting. It was lovely to run into her out walking when she no longer came to classes. She always had time to stop and talk. Thinking of you and your family.
I am sending my deep felt condolences to John, Bella and all of Wendy’s family and friends. I have known her as a kind and generous friend , strong and passionate about art, food, literature, books, music and the natural environment. She gave everything her priority and was supportive of many good causes. She will be greatly missed.