RIP Peter Lorimer

Very sad to hear that Peter Lorimer has passed away. Peter was a “lifer” at Treasury having worked there from 1968 to 1977 and after 11 years at Dept of Labour since 1988 to a few months ago. Yes he was still working well past normal retirement age.

He was a near permanent secondee in Finance Minister’s offices and was invaluable. He was both the source of institutional knowledge but also a clear headed mind who never got flustered. He was also an incredibly decent and person and colleague.

His citation for ONZM in 2018 reads:

Mr Lorimer has played a key role in developing legislation, such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act 1994 and the Public Finance Act 1989. He was instrumental in supporting the passage of the Public Finance Act by providing advice and information. He has supported the ability of successive generations of officials to understand and deliver on the technical practicalities and the broader intent of the Public Finance Act. His contributions have enabled the Act to remain up-to-date and effective through changing circumstances.

Those two Acts are the bedrock of our fiscal accountability.

Earlier this year he was the Lifetime Achievement Award winner for the Public Service Commission’s Spirit of Service Awards.

Peter is a career public servant who truly embodies the spirit of service. His service has been dedicated to strengthening the institutions of constitutional and democratic government and working for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

At the heart of all Peter does is a desire to create a Public Service that delivers for all New Zealanders. His expertise is widely recognised and sought out within the Treasury, across the public service, and beyond. Peter demonstrates humility through the dedication of his time, and he lives the public service principles of political neutrality and free and frank advice every day. He has supported successive generations of officials to instil the intent of the financial management system.

Peter’s knowledge and leadership has been pivotal in the development of significant fiscal reform over more than three decades. He has been a guardian of public financial management, ensuring it remains relevant and supports New Zealand’s wellbeing, most recently, through the Canterbury Earthquakes and COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter is a strong advocate for financial stewardship, accountability, and the important role the public service plays in supporting Ministers and Parliament for the benefit of New Zealanders. His intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and desire to help others exemplify the ethos of the public service. He is a worthy recipient of the Spirit of Service Lifetime Achievement Award.

Generations of Treasury and ministerial staffers will be mourning Peter’s passing. He was an outstanding servant of New Zealand.