The Upper Clutha community is paying tribute to John Allandale Lee, CNZM, remembering a man whose contribution helped shape the district over many decades.

John died peacefully at age 89 on Sunday evening (December 21), with his family by his side, a joint statement from the Lee family, the Snow Farm, the Cardrona Distillery, and Cardrona Alpine Resort said.

John was the second-generation farmer of Waiorau, in the tough alpine climate of the Cardrona Valley’s Pisa Range. 

John Lee in 2016 with then Governor-General The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, receiving his Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and Tourism.

In the late 1960s, the population of Cardrona was in decline, and as things were looking bleak, John got creative – all with the goal of bringing life back to the valley.

In 1971 he and his wife, Mary, bought Mt Cardrona Station, and spent the rest of the decade developing a ski area there. Cardrona Alpine Resort opened to the public in 1980, and 45 years later is now New Zealand’s biggest ski area.

John and Mary’s next major project, the world-class cross-country skiing facility at Waiorau, Snow Farm, opened in 1990 after 19 years of hard graft in the face of many road blocks. 

John and Mary (centre) on opening day at Cardrona Alpine Resort in 1980.

The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds came to life during the development of Snow Farm in 1984. The Lees then supported their youngest son Sam in the development of freestyle skiing and snowboarding mecca, Snow Park, in the early 2000s. 

John was instrumental in saving the Cardrona Hotel from ruin, and his decision to sell it to the lowest bidder to ensure proper restoration set the historic building on its path to the success it has today. 

John hanging bras on the Cardrona bra fence.

Along with Mary, he was also a proud supporter of the foundation of the Cardrona Distillery.

From helping to re-establish the Cardrona Valley as a destination in its own right, to the bustling Wānaka ski industry, to the cheeky Cardrona Bra Fence – John’s legacy is extensive. 

Many in the Cardrona and Wānaka communities can trace their careers, homes and livelihoods back to John’s passion to bring a vibrant life to this area, the joint statement said.

John is survived by wife Mary, children Rachael, Joanna and Sam, and grandchildren Louis, Regan, Olivia, Anton, Hana, Matthew, Archie, and Heidi.

John Lee (left) skiing at Cardrona.

A private ceremony for the Lee family will be held today (Wednesday December 24). A public celebration of John’s life and contribution to the community will take place at 2pm on February 7 at the Cardrona Distillery.

PHOTOS: Supplied