15 Facts About Peter Beaven

Peter Jamieson Beaven was a New Zealand architect based in Christchurch, who lived for his last few months in Blenheim.

Peter Beaven was a co-founder of New Zealand's first heritage lobby group, the Civic Trust.

Peter Beaven was educated at Christ's College and the School of Architecture of the University of Auckland.

Peter Beaven was based in Timaru for four years after his graduation, mainly designing woolstores all over New Zealand.

Peter Beaven then moved to Christchurch, where he established his practice in the mid-1950s.

When Peter Beaven turned 80 in 2005, he was New Zealand's oldest practising architect.

Sir Miles Warren and Peter Beaven are the only two Christchurch architects who have been awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects gold medal.

Peter Beaven is credited with having made a significant contribution to retaining the Christchurch Arts Centre after the University of Canterbury moved to its new campus in Ilam.

Peter Beaven was married to Mary Peter Beaven, and they had three children together.

Peter Beaven died in Blenheim on 4 June 2012, where he had lived for his last few months.

Peter Beaven is survived by his third wife, his three children and eight grandchildren.

Peter Beaven had co-founded the Christchurch Civic Trust, New Zealand's first lobby group for heritage buildings.

Peter Beaven was a lobbyist for good design and when he disagreed with a proposal, there was no ambiguity.

Peter Beaven called the Chalice in Cathedral Square a "vent to an underground toilet", and the Christchurch Art Gallery was for him "that great alien".

Peter and Lesley Beaven were prominent opponents of the alterations to Canterbury Museum, designed by Ian Athfield and approved by Christchurch City Council, but rejected by the Environment Court in 2006.