Born and bred in Nelson, Peter Lucas shows his dedication and hard work in more ways than one. At 72 years old, he works nights, efficiently cleaning and preparing the chambers at Nelson City Council for the day ahead.
Peter has worked for Nelson City Council cleaning contractor, OCS, for more than 30 years, earning their Annual OCS Australia and New Zealand Star award in 2023 for his unwavering dedication, trustworthiness and reliability.
From Monday to Friday, you’ll find Peter beginning his workday at 2:30am, ensuring the council chambers are prepared for the day’s activities. From rearranging furniture to suit the type of meeting being held, to going floor to floor restocking fresh milk and supplies, and emptying dishwashers, Peter makes sure every detail is perfect before opening the gates at 5:30am.
Despite a brief hiatus in 2023 to care for his wife, Peter’s unwavering dedication to his role was undeniable, leading to his return after only three weeks to the job he knows so well.
“I had been at OCS for many years and knew the job well. It made sense for me to come back and continue the work I was doing.”
Peter was born in Nelson and is passionate about the city. After moving to Christchurch for a couple of years Peter made the decision to move back to his hometown and never looked back.
“I cleaned the Nelson Police Station and Courthouse for several years too, and then around 15 years ago I moved to the Nelson City Council contract.”
While Peter has achieved a lot in his 30 years with the company, his humility stands out as much as his work ethic. Surprised to win the OCS Annual Star and Trustworthy Star award in 2023, Peter says, “I wasn’t expecting it, I just come in and do my job well. I know exactly what I’m doing and how long it takes – I didn’t think I would get an award for it.”
OCS Area Manager Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Alan Courtney, says Peter’s hard work and reliability ensure Nelson City Council premises are kept clean and can operate efficiently.
“Peter’s positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to getting great results make him an inspiration to not only his colleagues at OCS, but also the wider Nelson community. We feel lucky to have him on our team!”
Colleagues affectionately refer to him as the “Angel of the Night,” a testament to his quiet yet impactful presence. His return to OCS was celebrated, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of his role.
Peter Lucas embodies the spirit of hard work and dedication. His story is a reminder of the extraordinary contributions made by the many unsung heroes in our community every day (and night).