Peta Raggett
Miniature MASTerpieces: The Art of Peta Raggett’s Model Ships Exhibition
Founders charges apply. Free to locals. No bookings required
The Art of Peta Raggett’s Model Ships. Featuring selected ship models, this exhibition celebrates the artistry of Peta Raggett, a prestigious model shipbuilder whose detailed scratch build replicas capture rich maritime history. From immigrant ships like the Fifeshire and Lord Auckland, to the iconic Edwin Fox, Peta’s meticulously hand-crafted models feature intricate details, including working components and lifelike scenes on deck. Her dedication to authenticity and passion for storytelling make these miniature MASTerpieces a testament to creativity and the artist’s remarkable legacy
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Peta Raggett – A Life of Craft and Courage
2 September 1943 – 5 December 2025
Peta Raggett lived, in her own words, “an unusual life” — one marked by quiet determination, extraordinary skill, deep generosity, and immense courage.
Born as Peter in the United Kingdom in 1943, Peta spent much of her childhood indoors due to ill health. Long periods of solitude nurtured a powerful imagination and an early love of model making. With simple materials and careful hands, she began building complex models, unknowingly laying the foundations for a lifetime devoted to this craft. Leaving school at fifteen, she entered a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, quickly earning recognition and awards for outstanding workmanship.
In 1966, Peta emigrated to New Zealand, working in Invercargill before settling in Nelson in 1984. There, as Peter, she established a respected career as a joiner and furniture maker, specialising in bespoke antique-style pieces marked by precision, technical mastery, and a deep respect for tradition.
“I’ve always been interested in ships,” she once said — and that lifelong fascination found full expression after 1993, when the historic sailing ship Edwin Fox was returned to Picton for long-term preservation. The moment reignited a passion first sparked in childhood. Over the following 21 years, Peta built 15 extraordinary replica model sailing ships. Each model was researched, designed, and constructed entirely from scratch, with many of the vessels deeply connected to Nelson’s local history as well as to national and international maritime stories.
Beyond her craft, Peta gave generously to her community, contributing more than 10,000 volunteer hours across over thirty organisations. She played key, hands-on roles in restoring Isel House, creating buildings and displays at Founders Heritage Park, and authoring books on local maritime and aviation history.
Alongside these achievements, Peta carried a deeply personal struggle. She lived for many years with gender dysphoria, facing criticism, judgement, and prejudice. In 2005, with remarkable bravery, she embraced her gender transition. It was not an easy journey, but it was a truthful one. As she often noted with clarity, “Your interests stay with you” — and she continued to build, create, and contribute, living more fully and authentically as herself.
Peta leaves behind a unique legacy. Her courage, generosity, artistry, and unwavering commitment to community will continue to inspire Nelson and all who knew her. She showed that a life can be unusual, challenging, and still profoundly beautiful — and that authenticity, kindness, and creativity can leave a lasting wake long after the ship has sailed.
