Passed away July 5, 2026, aged 63.
Paul was the beloved partner of Alison for more than 20 wonderful years, cherished father, a loyal friend, and someone whose kindness, warmth, and sense of humour touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for the lasting memories he created with family and friends.
Messages to 134 Jollie Street, Hokitika, 7810, or may be left on Paul’s tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz
A private service has taken place.
Forever loved, forever remembered.
Paul Raymond Maffey
July 5, 2026
Sympathy to Alison and family.
Ex neighbour’s Brian and Cheryl Hutchison
I first met Paul at school, and from then on we shared years of friendship, laughter and more than a few madcap adventures.
We seemed to have a knack for turning the simplest outing into a zany adventure. Sometimes we were chasing a bargain, sometimes a mystery, and sometimes we had no particular destination at all. Whatever the reason, we always managed to come home with another story to tell.
Most of those journeys were in my old Rover 90. On one memorable occasion an electrical fault left us with no choice but to drive several miles home in reverse.
At the time I was earning a little more money, so we usually travelled in my car. Paul drove an old Austin A40 ute—well worth looking up if you’ve never seen one. He only seemed to bring it out when there was firewood to collect or deliver. The timber came from McVicar’s Sawmill, and after seeing his arrangement there, I sometimes wondered if Paul was pushing the boundaries just a little with his firewood collecting!
I’m not even sure which of us bought a Land Rover first. I think it may have been me, because I clearly remember giving Paul the fright of his life a few times as I confidently drove into places that no inexperienced young fellow had any business attempting. Looking back, it was probably more enthusiasm than skill—but somehow we always made it home.
As the years passed, our friendship grew beyond just the two of us. Carol and I enjoyed many double dates with Paul, and together we shared countless happy times. We became regular visitors to Paul’s place at the Prebbleton Motor Camp, where laughter was always in plentiful supply.
Anyone who knew Paul will remember his very dry sense of humour and that slightly mischievous smirk. His quiet wit would often appear out of nowhere and, before you knew it, we were all smiling. That was simply Paul.
With the southern Alps between us we saw eachother less but catch-ups with Paul and Ali were still full of the same tall stories we had retold countless times some that should not really be repeated in this forum.
The years have passed, but the memories remain as clear as ever. I will always be grateful for the adventures we shared, the laughs we had, and above all, for the privilege of calling Paul my friend.
I had quite a list of stories, experiences and oddities saved up for our next meeting. It is with great sadness that I now know I will never get to share them with him and
Rest easy Paul. Enjoyed our yarns over the years. Bloody top bloke. You will be missed by both me and my mum.
Deepest sympathy to Alison and family on the passing of Paul. Sending hugs to you all. Ex neighbour Bryan and Sandra
Rip Paul. I enjoy working with y0u and the chats we had
Our deepest sympathy to Alison and family on the passing of Paul A kind neighbor who we will never forget for helped us when we first moved in and how he keeped our tree line between us trimmed and looking nice. Rest in peace Paul