The family of local builder Peter Murphy (58) have named him as the man who died at the start of the Motatapu mountain bike race on Saturday (March 4).

Pete, as he was commonly known, was a director of Fowler Homes Wānaka along with his wife Jo Fuller who made the announcement on social media.

“It is with great sadness, we announce the sudden loss of our beloved Peter Murphy on Saturday 4th, March 2023,” Jo said on her social media page. 

“Pete was competing in the Motutapu bike race in Wānaka, and suffered a major medical episode. He was living his best life, doing one of the many activities that brought him joy.”

The post went on to describe Pete as a man with a zest for life and a cheeky banter.

“Pete's love for Jo and his family was unsurpassed, and the vacuum that he has left in our lives is irreplaceable.”

The Fowler Homes website says Pete grew up in Central Otago and had a construction career spanning 35 years.

Wānaka police said on Monday (March 6) that they were seeking witnesses to Pete’s death as part of their inquiries into what happened.

His death has been referred to the coroner.

A service to celebrate Pete's life will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 2.30pm at The Venue, corner Cardrona Valley Road and Orchard Road.

PHOTO: Jo Fuller