Huge support for Kingston’s ‘For Pete’s Sake’ Pete Ottley fundraiser
Organisers of a Kingston charity golf tournament to support former Kingston Fire Chief Pete Ottley, unable to work for almost two years, have had to close off already extended registrations after several weeks with demand exceeding expectations.
Organiser of a 36,500-signature petition to Parliament aiding his plight, Queenstown Fire Brigade secretary Katherine Lamont, has now teamed up with Kingston Golf Club, Queenstown Lions and the Queenstown Brigade to run ‘For Pete’s Sake’ – a golf tournament fundraiser on 15 November to help Ottley.
A volunteer firefighter for 13 years, Ottley was denied ACC cover despite being diagnosed with PTSD after being first on the scene of a horrific fatal crash involving two cars and a tour bus near Kingston in December 2024. Lamont’s petition, calling for volunteer firefighters to be given the same ACC rights as their paid counterparts, went through the Select Committee process. A Member’s Bill by Labour MP Kieran McAnulty backing the call has now lapsed in the lead-up to the 7 November election.
Kingston Golf Club president and secretary Jeff Rogers says they’ve had a huge response to the golf tournament with the initial limit of 60 registrations reached within 10 days, and that cap lifted to 82 players where they’ve had to close off due to course space limitations. “We’ve had volunteer Fire Brigade members from around the Wakatipu and Cromwell register, people Pete played softball with in Invercargill, a bunch of women golfers from Winton – people from all over Southland and Otago,” he says. He’d love to cater for even more players but 82 is a “big day for a 9-hole Ambrose tournament”.
“It’s a great cause and people are really getting behind it,” Rogers says. “It’ll be a fun day and we’re expecting up to around 160 people to turn out with supporters.”
Queenstown Lions will be on hand flipping burgers on the barbecue and Phil Wilson says they’ve had no shortage of volunteers wanting to help. “The Lions are more than happy to support such a worthy cause, and we really hope people will turn out in force to support this,” Wilson says.
Lamont says they’re on the hunt for sponsors for the golf holes - $300 each, and for that they can display their signage and expect media coverage. The community is also being asked to donate prizes, either products or services, for a raffle and auction on the day. Registrations to play golf cost $35 per person.
Most excited about the day is Pete Ottley who’s, as always, overwhelmed by the community’s support for his cause. “It’s just really great what they’re all doing for us,” he says. “We get to see people at their best and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been in the sport quite a while and I know of a lot of golfers coming from as far away as Dunedin and other places.” Despite a shoulder injury he reckons he will be getting in amongst the golf regardless. “It’s going to be bloody great, as long as the weather is good. We’re going to have fun!”
Ottley says he will “definitely be saying a few words”: “There are some people I’d like to recognise like Katherine Lamont. She’s been an absolute weapon. To have Katherine on my side... she’s been so much support and help, so overwhelmingly wonderful.”
Meanwhile, Lamont says both Labour and National have committed to making meaningful changes, in different ways, if successful at the 7 November election. “The message has been heard by our MP’s. They understand the value of our volunteers in our communities and I’m confident they will do the right thing,” Lamont says. “I’m feeling hopeful that with this momentum will come the changes that are so greatly needed – full workplace ACC cover for volunteer firefighters.”
For Pete’s Sake: 15 November 2026
Kingston Golf Course
Registrations now closed at an extended 82
Tee off - 12.30pm
To donate prizes or product:
Phone Jeff Rogers 02108419894 or Katherine Lamont 0276248394
