94 and Still Raking: The ‘Incredible’ Peter Winter Leads Mt Somers Volunteer Fellowship
By Lions Roar News Community & Lifestyle Desk
MT SOMERS, CANTERBURY (January 9, 2026) — At the foot of Mt Somers, the sound of gravel being raked isn’t coming from a heavy machine, but from 94-year-old retired farmer Peter Winter. As a cornerstone of the Mt Somers Walkway Society, Winter is proving to be the ultimate inspiration for hikers and conservationists alike, working tirelessly to ensure the Sharplin Falls track is in peak condition for the summer season.
Founded 40 years ago, the society relies on a dedicated “fellowship” of volunteers, but even among this seasoned group, Winter stands out as a marvel of endurance.
⛏️ “We Have to Hold Him Back”
Despite rumors that he has never seen a doctor and famously received a chainsaw for his 90th birthday, Winter remains humble about his physical prowess. When asked if the hard labor keeps him young, he laughs it off: “No. Haha nothing does that, surely… I’m just lucky that’s all.”
His peers, however, tell a different story. Barry Austin (86) describes Winter’s energy as nearly uncontrollable. “He’s just incredible for his age—like we have to hold him back,” Austin says.
The group is a tight-knit band of locals, many in their mid-eighties, who share a deep-seated love for the mountain. For member Robert Schikker, the mission is personal: “As you progress, it becomes your mountain and you just want to look after it for the next generation.”
🌟 An Inspiration to the Professionals
Even those who work in conservation for a living are stunned by Winter’s work ethic. DOC Ranger Chad Adams admitted that seeing a 94-year-old performing such strenuous manual labor is humbling.
“Peter, at 94, is an inspiration. It’s hard to see myself making it to 94, let alone doing the kind of work he does,” says Adams.
Winter’s current focus has been the Sharplin Falls walkway, where the group has spent thousands of hours meticulously laying gravel and repairing the path to ensure it’s ready for the summer influx of tourists and locals.
📢 Recruitment: “The Old Guys are Dropping Off”
While the “fellowship” is still keen, they are realistic about the future. Winter himself notes that the society needs fresh blood to carry the torch. “Us old guys we drop off every now and again,” he quips with his signature dry humor, “so we certainly need other people to come along.”
Schikker agrees, noting that while they aren’t slowing down yet, they are “getting a bit long in the tooth” and would welcome new members to help protect the mountain they’ve spent a lifetime tending to.
🤝 How to Join the Fellowship
If you’re inspired by Peter Winter and want to help maintain one of Canterbury’s most beautiful natural assets, the Mt Somers Walkway Society is looking for you:
- Facebook: Search for the Mt Somers Walkway Society page.
- DOC: Contact the local Department of Conservation office to register your interest.
