Auckland
Announcement: Passing of Peter Riley
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Peter Riley, founder of Riley Consultants Ltd.
Peter “Rockhound” Riley was a larger‑than‑life figure, an enthusiastic, gregarious man who talked with his arms and was a great storyteller. His vision and determination created what has become a true New Zealand success story.
In 1984, he set up Riley on Auckland’s North Shore, driven by a desire to do things differently and to build something of his own. From those early days with desks made from doors on trestles and a small but passionate team, Peter’s innovation and indomitable spirit set the foundation for everything we are today. Peter had a unique instinct for bringing people together, building strong teams, and creating a culture of collaboration, opportunity, and trust. Many of the values we hold today reflect the way Peter led the business from the very beginning.
From early success on projects like Patea Dam and Clyde Hydro, through periods of both challenge and growth, Peter guided Riley with resilience and entrepreneurial drive. His influence helped shape a company that has grown from a handful of people into the multi-disciplinary consultancy we are today, with a thriving team across the country and a strong sense of shared ownership and purpose.
While Peter stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business some time ago, his legacy continues in our people, our culture, our name, and the way we approach our work.
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this time. We acknowledge his immense contribution to Riley and to the many individuals whose careers and lives he shaped along the way.
"We will take time in our next company update to reflect on Peter’s legacy and the lasting impact he has had on our organisation, one that will continue to shape and guide us into the future."
Steven Price, Managing Director