The world bid farewell to Dame Alison Burns Quentin-Baxter DNZM QSO, a distinguished public and international lawyer, who passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 93. While her contributions to the field of constitutional law in New Zealand and abroad are celebrated, her obituary provides a glimpse into her remarkable life and legacy.
Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter was born on December 28, 1929, in New Zealand. Throughout her life, she became known for her legal expertise, dedication to diplomacy, and her numerous contributions to constitutional projects around the world.
As the cherished daughter of the late Bill and Barbara Souter, Dame Alison was raised in a loving family environment. She had a close-knit family that included her late brother Bob and sister-in-law Heather, Helen, and Jonathan. Additionally, she shared deep connections with her late siblings Kim, Graeme (Beau), and Gillian. Her extended family included nieces and nephews, Robbie, Tanya, Rochelle, Jane, Megan, Sara, and Guy, as well as the late Vicki and Mark. These family bonds were a source of strength and support throughout her life.
Dame Alison’s contributions to the field of law and international relations were marked by her tireless dedication and expertise. She represented New Zealand at the Legal Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in New York during the early 1950s and participated in conferences on maritime law in Geneva.
In addition to her international endeavors, Dame Alison’s involvement in constitutional matters extended to small island states such as Niue and the Marshall Islands. She played a pivotal role in drafting their constitutional documents, leaving a lasting impact on their governance.
In the realm of academia, Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter’s influence was felt through her teaching of constitutional history and law at Victoria University of Wellington from 1967 to 1969.
Her illustrious career also included serving as counsel to the Marshall Islands Constitutional Conventions from 1977 to 1979, offering her expertise to the Fiji Constitution Review Commission from 1995 to 1996, and being the director of the New Zealand Law Commission from 1987 to 1994.
Dame Alison’s dedication to her profession was acknowledged through numerous honors and awards. She was appointed a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for her outstanding public services in the 1993 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 2003, she received an honorary doctorate of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington. In the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours, she was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and in 2009, following the restoration of titular honors by the New Zealand government, she accepted redesignation as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
While her professional life was marked by numerous accolades, Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter’s personal life was more private. Available records do not indicate that she had children during her lifetime.
In terms of her net worth, as a successful lawyer, Dame Alison’s income allowed her to lead a comfortable life. While exact figures are not publicly available, her net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter’s passing leaves a void in the legal and diplomatic communities, but her legacy of dedication to constitutional law and international relations will continue to inspire future generations. She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for her role as a cherished family member and friend to many.
Her funeral service will be held at Old Saint Paul’s, Mulgrave Street, Wellington, on Monday, October 9th, at 1:00 pm, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to aid cancer research can be made at www.cancer.org.nz/donate-now. Messages and tributes can also be left in Dame Alison’s tribute book or posted to c/- PO Box 14-366, Kilbirnie 6241.