Paul Henry leads the pallbearers from the church at the funeral of Sir Peter Williams. Photo / Doug Sherring
Paul Henry leads the pallbearers from the church at the funeral of Sir Peter Williams. Photo / Doug Sherring
Mourners have gathered at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral to farewell a "mighty totara" of the New Zealand legal profession, Sir Peter Williams.
Numerous well-known figures from the country's legal, political and media circles came to pay tribute to the Queen's Counsel, including John Banks, Pita Sharples, Paul Henry and Dover Samuels.
The late Sir Peter Williams QC. Photo / Supplied
A stirring haka welcomed Sir Peter's coffin into the Cathedral, followed by his family, lead by his wife, Lady Williams.
Speaking at the service, Sir Peter's life-long friend Retired judge Sir Ted Thomas described him "the greatest defence lawyer, I believe, of our time and indeed of all time".
He said it was entirely fitting that his death occurred on the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.
"He believed fervently in justice, passionately in justice."
Former Labour Party MP Dover Samuels said ahead of the service that he first met Sir Peter in the late 1950s or early '60s when he bailed him out for selling "sly grog" to raise money for his rugby club.
"He was always conscious of discrimination against the vulnerable and those that couldn't afford justice.
"We have lost, in my view, a mighty totara that stood out like Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest."
He challenged the current legal fraternity to look at Sir Peter's life and continue his work.
The 80-year-old Queen's Counsel died on Tuesday after battling prostate cancer for almost a decade.
The funeral will be followed by a private cremation.
Sir Peter's wife, Lady Heeni Phillips, said he was the love of her life. Photo / Doug Sherring
Sir Peter's wife of 22 years Lady Heeni said he had managed to fit "a whole lifetime" into the last year and a half as his health deteriorated, finishing projects and celebrating with the people he loved.
"He has been the love of my life, my faithful companion, the man I've grown older with.
"As well, in my professional life as a lawyer, he's been my greatest source of professional support, encouragement and inspiration."
Sir Peter defended in more than 100 murder trials over his career and took on clients in some of New Zealand's most significant trials, including Arthur Allan Thomas and Terry "Mr Asia" Clark.
Since being admitted to the bar in 1960, Sir Peter campaigned for prisoner rights, advocating for decent conditions, rehabilitation and addressing the causes of crime.
John Banks was one of those paying respects at the funeral of Sir Peter Williams. Photo / Doug Sherring
He presided over the Howard League for Penal Reform for 30 years but resigned in 2011 to establish the Prison Reform Society.
He received his knighthood early due to his ailing health at a special ceremony in his Ponsonby home in April.
At the time he said he felt "very humbled" and "very privileged" by the honour.
Pita Sharples was in attendance at the funeral of Sir Peter Williams. Photo / Doug Sherring
Following his death, Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias said he was someone who battled injustice.
"He stood up for the humane treatment of prisoners, never a popular cause, and challenged the climate of punitiveness which is so wasteful of human potential.
"Sir Peter was an outstanding criminal advocate in the courts and a man of considerable kindness."
In his death notice, Sir Peter was described as the dearly loved husband of Lady Heeni Phillips-Williams, much loved father of Cara, Durell and Paula, Katie and Clint, and loved grandad of Scarlett, Conor, Grace, Toby, Plum, Iris, and Rory.
