One of our patients, Ken Officer, has made an extraordinary gift to Hospice South, generously donating his much-loved 1962 Austin Cambridge to help ensure compassionate care remains available for patients and their whānau across our community.

For Ken, the Austin is much more than a classic car. It represents a chapter of life that began with a simple but heartfelt decision.

Several years ago, after a visit to a cardiologist in Dunedin, Ken was given the difficult news that he had between six months and a year to live. On the drive home, his wife Yvonne asked what he would most like to do. Ken’s answer was immediate:

‘Buy a car.‘

Prior to this appointment – and unknown to Yvonne – Ken had spotted a fully restored Austin Cambridge advertised for sale in Mosgiel and knew he had found exactly what he was looking for. And so, the next chapter began.

A lifelong classic car enthusiast, Ken has owned an impressive collection of vehicles over the years, including a 1950 LIP Vauxhall, Hillman 80, Austin A40, Morris Oxford, and even an MG Roadster once owned by Bruce McLaren. Today, his favourite vehicle to drive is his treasured S-Type Jaguar, which proudly occupies the family garage.

When the time came to move into a new home, Ken faced a dilemma. There was no longer room for the Austin, and while it could be kept in storage, he felt the car deserved a greater purpose. After discussing the idea with Hospice South CEO Pete Thompson, Ken decided to donate the vehicle to Hospice South, turning a beloved possession into a lasting contribution to the community.

Ken’s generosity reflects a lifetime of service and hard work. After leaving school, he attended Southland Technical College to learn the building trade before discovering his true calling as a butcher. He completed his apprenticeship under Ron Simpson and went on to own eight butcher’s shops across Southland. Along the way, he trained many apprentices, including Jan Harpur, Invercargill’s first female butcher, who still describes Ken as the best boss she ever had.

Service has always been important to the Officer family. Yvonne was awarded a QSM in 2021 for services to Victim Support and continues her tireless volunteer work supporting patients and families through St John at Southland Hospital. Ken himself served as President of the Invercargill East Lions Club and was on the board of trustees at St John’s Girls’ School.

Married for 65 years, Ken and Yvonne are proud parents of two, grandparents of four, and great-grandparents of three. Their roots run deep in the South, and their commitment to helping others has touched countless lives.

Now, through the donation of his cherished Austin Cambridge, Ken is creating another legacy, one that will help Hospice South continue providing specialist palliative care and support to patients and families when they need it most.

We are deeply grateful to Ken and Yvonne for their generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to their community. And to Ken for a gift that will make a lasting difference for years to come.

The Austin Cambridge is currently available to view in our Reloved by Hospice South shop, corner of Leet and Deveron Streets, Invercargill.

AUCTION DETAILS

Auction details for the Austin Cambridge will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we invite classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of Hospice South to register their interest and follow the journey of this remarkable vehicle.

If you would like to be among the first to receive information about the auction, including viewing opportunities and bidding details, please register your interest with Hospice South.

Register your interest:

Email: fundraiser@hospicesouth.org.nz

Phone: 0800 211 3081

Matthew and Amanda

What makes this gift so remarkable is not simply the value of the car itself, but the story behind it. Like many classic car enthusiasts, Ken has devoted countless hours to preserving and caring for a piece of motoring history. The Austin Cambridge has been part of his life for many years, representing cherished memories, personal achievement, and the joy that comes from sharing a passion with others.

Rather than keeping this beloved vehicle within his family or selling it privately, Ken has entrusted it to Hospice South with the hope that it can continue its journey in a meaningful way. Through its upcoming auction, the Austin Cambridge will become a lasting legacy, helping to fund specialist palliative care and support for patients and whānau across our region.

Every bid placed will represent more than an interest in a classic car. It will be a contribution to compassionate care, comfort, dignity, and support for local families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

While the Austin Cambridge will soon find a new owner, its impact will remain firmly rooted in Southland. The memories it carries, and the generosity it represents, will continue to touch lives long after the final hammer falls.

Auction details will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we invite classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of Hospice South to register their interest and follow the journey of this remarkable vehicle.

Auction details to be confirmed. If you would like to be among the first to receive information about the auction, including viewing opportunities and bidding details, please register your interest with Hospice South.

Register your interest:

Email: fundraiser@hospicesouth.org.nz

Phone: 0800 211 3081

To claim the record, Peter must ride an incredible 21.5 kilometres within one hour. When asked what distance he hopes to achieve, he was initially reluctant to say, but eventually admitted that his personal goal is even more ambitious – 23 kilometres.

Peter will make his attempt on a track bike that has undergone a comprehensive inspection by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for world cycling. The official record process also requires post-event drug testing, an expense generously covered by Calder Stewart and Cruickshank Pryde.

This is not Peter’s first brush with cycling success. In 2015, he set a world-best distance record in the 80-84 year age group, covering an astonishing 29.634 kilometres in one hour.

Peter’s life story is as remarkable as his sporting achievements. Born in the Netherlands, he survived the Nazi occupation of Holland as a child before emigrating to New Zealand at the age of 22 as an assisted immigrant. He initially worked for the New Zealand Railways in Lumsden before becoming a painter and eventually establishing his own successful painting business.

Over the years, Peter lived throughout Southland and Otago, later running a deer farm focused on breeding stock. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played rugby throughout his younger years before discovering a passion for cycling, a sport that continues to challenge and inspire him today.

Hospice South is honoured that Peter has chosen to dedicate this extraordinary world record attempt to raising funds for our services. His determination, resilience, and commitment to supporting his community are truly inspiring.

This is not Peter’s first contribution to Hospice South. In 2015, following the sale of the Invercargill Dutch Club’s clubrooms, the club donated $40,000 to Hospice South, among other charities, in accordance with its constitution which requires proceeds from property sales to be given to charitable causes. Peter advocated for Hospice South to be included, helping secure a significant donation that has supported the care of local patients and families.

Peter would also like to acknowledge Ben Stewart from Calder Stewart for arranging for the velodrome track to be officially measured by Bonisch at no cost, helping make this record attempt possible.

Peter’s world record attempt will take place at 6pm on Tuesday 20 October at the ILT Velodrome.

If you would like to support Peter in his fundraising efforts on behalf of Hospice South, please donate to his campaign via the Hospice South website.

At 95 years of age, Peter continues to prove that determination knows no age limit. We wish him every success as he takes on this incredible challenge.

Get your family & friends together and join us for a fantastic day out while supporting an incredible cause – Hospice South.

Starting from Waikiwi Tavern.

Park up and register from 10am
Cruise departs 11am
$20 per vehicle and $5 per poker hand.

Whether you’re driving a classic, motorbike or everyday vehicle, everyone is welcome.

Damian

Regards Diana and Junior

Stacy