Piera McArthur

McArthur, Piera ONZM – On 23 October 2025 aged 96, at home in Wellington with family. Treasured wife of late John George McArthur.  Adored mother of John, Caroline, James, Brigid, Charles and Paul, much loved mother-in-law, magical grandmother to 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Devoted to her family, a passionate painter.  The funeral service will be held at Old St Paul’s, Thorndon at 2pm on Friday 31 October followed by private cremation. Messages to the McArthur family may be made online at lychgate.co.nz/messages or posted c/- 306 Willis Street, Aro Valley, Wellington, 6011.

Tributes

Christopher Fogarty

So sorry to hear of Pierra’s passing. I can readily recall her warmth ,charm
and of course her great intellect. Those things plus vivacity and wonderful humour, so well
displayed in her paintings. She was a great host and help at various times to the Fogarty/Goodson
clan. They will all join me in expressing our condolences.

Bernadette Paus

To the children of Piera,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your dear mother’s passing. What an extraordinary life she lived—full of beauty, creativity, and love.

Piera touched my life in a way I will never forget. I first discovered her work about ten years ago in Air New Zealand’s Kia Ora magazine and was instantly captivated. I made contact with her to see if she welcomed visitors to her studio, and to my delight, she graciously agreed—a gesture I later learned was not so common for her, which made those visits even more special. At the time, I was traveling to Wellington regularly for work, and spending time with Piera quickly became a highlight of those trips.

Each time, I would bring a little sweet treat, and she would make tea—always in that elegant silver teapot with fine china—before taking me to her studio to share her latest creations. Our conversations flowed easily, from art to life, and often to our children. It was clear her family and her art were her greatest loves, alongside her beloved John, to whom she remained devoted.

I treasure the pieces I purchased from her—two smaller works at first (I suspect she made them small so I could afford both!) and later, a stunning self-portrait that now holds pride of place in my dining room. It is more than a painting; it is a constant reminder of a remarkable Wahine who embraced life fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Piera was truly special, and her spirit will live on through her art and the love she shared with all of you.

Warm regards,
Bernadette Paus

Ron Epskamp

As saddened as I am after hearing of Piera’s passing, I value the lessons I learnt from her and choose to celebrate her life.
Piera McArthur was my favourite artist. She never followed trends or fashions, choosing instead to remain true to herself and her artistic vision. That authenticity shone through in everything she created.
Working with Piera on an exhibition was an absolute joy. Her irreverent humour often had me in stitches, and her intelligent light-hearted incites made the process as memorable as the art itself.
She was a keen observer of people, with a remarkable ability to capture both the absurdity and the humanity of life in her paintings. Her work was magnificent, insightful, witty, and deeply human.
Piera was amazing—intelligent, bold, and utterly original. I will miss her dearly!

Judith Bassett

Message to the McArthur family
Just a message to acknowledge Piera. Michael and I are sad to know of her passing but it has given us a lot of pleasure to think back about Piera and your father, John, as well. They were both treasures and you will miss them.
Michael and I met them in Moscow when John was the Ambassador there and enjoyed their company very much.
Later we bought some of Piera’s wonderful paintings and met with her at her exhibitions at the Jonathan Grant Galleries in Parnell, and one, of Aphrodite rising from the waves (on a gigantic water spout), is beside me as I type this.
Later we met John (Jr.) in Beijing. Our very best wishes to him, too.
Piera and John were outstanding people and good friends. Generous with their time and their knowledge, rooted deep in European culture as it was then, and especially in Piera’s case, always looking for what she called ‘fresh parameters’.
Judith and Michael Bassett

Win and Niki Cochrane

Our deepest sympathies to John and family. We knew Piera when we lived at the bottom of Glentui Grove and her studio was just several steps in from our shared boundary. Piera would often call out to Niki to come and see her latest work, to Niki’s delight both for the new painting and for the sheer exuberance of the artist. Piera was bold with form and colour. To so many people her work will remain to brighten their lives and remind them of a most charming and accomplished person with an immense sense of fun. Niki and Win Cochrane

Susan and Dan Doohan

We knew Piera when she and John lived at Clive and Dan did some building work for them. Piera was the most marvellous hostess…”You must have tea and cake…” It was like visiting Alice in Wonderland. Piera invented stories for our children and sent them letters from the orange tree fairies’.

Peter McGrath

Heartfelt condolences to the McArthur family. What a privilege to have had Piera in your life.
Her paintings expressed her joyful perception of life, which in no small part was an acknowledgment of her own life and the family that surrounded her.

Shelley and Marc Osborne

To darling Janty, Kanga, James, Biddy, Charles and Paul (and of course all your beautiful families),
Big, big hugs to every one of you.

I was SO surprised when I heard of Aunty Piera’s passing.
After seeing her just one month ago, Marc and I were sure she was going to crack 100 – she seemed so bright, cherry, still full of life and much more on-to-it than I expected.
So when Toni let me know, I couldn’t believe it.

My earliest memories of her are when Aunty Piera and Uncle John lived in Tawa, having just returned from an overseas stint. As a kid I remember her warm cuddles, her beautiful smile, and her always having time for us as her nieces and nephews.

Although she travelled the world, rubbed shoulders with highly ranked people, spoke many languages, and was a world renowned artist, she she was never out of reach and had time for everyone.

Piera and my Dad had such a special bond that reached way back to the beginning of their childhood.
And that storge love endured through their whole lives.
For that I am deeply grateful as your Mum was such a wonderful support to my Dad when things were tough.

Please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to be at Aunty Piera’s funeral tomorrow.
We have a few balls in the air at the moment and I am unable to get down to Wellington right now.

Even though you know it is going to happen, and you know the time is near – losing your Mum is never any easier and it has a profound effect on you.
My heart is with each of you as you celebrate an incredible woman, and on after you have said goodbye.

Much love to you all.
Shelley and Marc xxxx