Tributes flow for Sir Colin

Members of the car industry, people from motorsport and the charities he supported, family and friends have turned out in force to farewell Sir Colin Giltrap.

Dealers and distributors from New Zealand and some from across the Tasman flew in this week to attend his funeral service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland.

The Very Reverend Anne Mills, Dean of Auckland, officiated proceedings. The ushers were Chris Shorter, Debby Alexander, Dane Fisher, James Berry and Simon Evans.

The pallbearers were Michael, Richard and Marco Giltrap, Mark Ching, Sir Neville Crichton, Trevor Mitchell, Ernie Miller and David Mills.

Harriette Giltrap, Sir Colin’s youngest granddaughter, led the stories of remembrance by reading Do Not Weep For Me, which is based on a short verse by David Harkins.

His sons Richard and Michael remembered overseas adventures, and the chance to pursue careers in the car industry with their father’s backing. They said their mother’s support of him was a major part of the Giltrap Group’s success. When he was unsure of the way ahead, she encouraged him to proceed.

A eulogy was delivered by Michael Reed KC, Giltrap’s long-standing lawyer. He spoke about how Sir Colin, supported by his wife Lady Jennifer, Crichton and others, started to build the family business into what it is today.

Despite ill health, Giltrap retained his sense of humour and remained active in the business almost until his passing.

Those attending the service on May 1 heard that Giltrap, who was renowned for remembering by name hundreds of employees, was described as a gentle man as well as being a risk taker with a sharp mind.

It was in 2012 that Giltrap was made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand for his services to motorsport and philanthropy. 

He died at home on April 17, aged 84, and had been battling ill health since suffering a fall in London in 2023. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family has invited people to make donations to Auckland City Mission.