ABOUT
I'm a kiwi who is passionate about community. It helps define who we are and provides an environment for us to grow. Having projects and facilities that communities can be involved in helps build strong happy lives. I believe if we can harness the belief in a common goal, great things can happen. I'm a community leader, fundraiser and project manager. I know what it takes to bring people together and to realise the dreams of a community. I'm here to help.
Early Years: Farming in rural communities.
Raised in Central Hawkes Bay as a 4th generation member of a farming family, l was always going to be involved with the land to some degree. I also inherited a strong desire for making a community contribution from my parents and grandparents who had been prominent members of our home town.
After university, l was employed as a farm manager, MAF animal husbandry advisor and in Hamilton as a media consultant helping MAF farm advisors and scientists improve their communications skills. However, inevitably the lure of the land was too great and l decided to accept a major challenge of moving to the East Coast to farm on my own account.
Lions Club and the first projects.
After moving with my young family to Tolaga Bay in 1980, l began work on an intensive development programme, turning a run down property into a multi faceted farming enterprise.
I became a member of the local Lions club and this was the start of joining with other equally passionate people who believed in the prospects for our small East Coast community.
The devastating effect of Cyclone Bola galvanised our group into finding ways to restore the shattered morale of the local people.
We decided to build new facilities that benefited youth groups and so the idea of the " Tolaga Bay Foreshore Development Trust" was born.
This institution became the legal entity necessary to operate as a catalyst for many local group projects. The new Tolaga Bay Surf Club clubhouse and the Tatarahake Cliffs walkway were two of the first completed projects under this umbrella.
Bigger projects.
Buoyed by the success of the earlier developments, l began to take on more responsibilities for fundraising and project management of larger projects. The signature achievement was the Tolaga Bay Wharf restoration which, at over $6million, was a huge leap in funding requirements and management responsibility for both me personally and the small Tolaga Bay community. This project, recognized as being of national significance, connected me to the largest funding agencies and provided access to important contacts at the highest level of government. I have also acted as the main fundraiser for the Tolaga Bay Reynolds Hall restoration project and recently was the initial project manager and fundraiser for the $7million Tokomaru Bay Heritage Site project.
During the 20 years involvement with this work, l have developed a reputation for delivery and the skills that enable me to talk knowledgeably with other communities about their own issues.
Family. Family is very important to me. I regard it as my greatest asset.
My wife Diana has been, without question, the most important ingredient in the mix that has allowed me to be involved with community activities to the extent that I have. She has contributed to my personal achievements in a way that has often made the difference between success and failure.
I am eternally grateful to her for the sacrifices she has made.
I am also extremely proud of my 3 adult children who have all succeeded in their chosen field of endeavor and my 4 grandchildren add a quality that is very special. I love them all
Awards. My 35 years of community work has had recognition from a variety of quarters including:
2007 - Gisborne District Council Citizens Civic Award
2009 - Queens Service Medal, NZ Queens Birthday Honors
2012 - Local Hero Award, New Zealander of the Year Awards
Commendation. I have been lucky enough to receive letters of commendation from world heritage authorities and senior heritage officials in New Zealand.
Governance. In my role as a community leader, I have served on a variety of boards
Hauora Tairawhiti (Gisborne Health) Board
Tolaga Bay Foreshore Development Trust Board
Tolaga Bay Save the Wharf Charitable Trust Board
Gisborne High Schools Rectory Trust Board
Tolaga Bay Kiwifruit Packhouse Co. Board