From a dinghy built at HBHS, to a very successful boating company and more recently, Robert McLean's very generous gift to the school

Rob was at HBHS from 1984 - 1987 and during that time he was captain of the Softball team (as well as an age group representative) and also captained our 1st XI Football team. He was also a keen duck shooter and wanted to own a dinghy. His Form 6 (now Year 12) wood project was to make a rocking chair, but Rob managed to convince his Woodwork teacher that he should make a dinghy (much better for duck shooting). He built a six foot row boat (which he still has) and so began his passion for boats.

Rob left school at the end of that year, starting a boatbuilding apprenticeship with Buccaneer Pleasure Craft. He became a qualified ship, yacht, boatbuilder and repairer, and in 2000, set up his own business, Blackpearl Fibreglass Ltd, manufacturing fibreglass components. Through a contract with Rayglass, Rob built the support crafts for the America's Cup syndicates, including the course marshall, referee boats, chase boats, media boats, plus coastguard and ambulance, police and military as well as super yacht tenders.

The recession hit in 2008, and in effort to retain his workers, Rob began looking at other innovations, which led to the creation of his other company Work & Play NZ Ltd., showcasing real Kiwi ingenuity.

They produce and sell a variety of fibreglass products, including camper trailers, tradesman trailers, cab overs, helicopter huts, a range of outdoor furniture (bar leaners, couches and BBQ tables), utility boxes, fish filleting benches, and much more!

Over the years Rob has employed a large number of HBHS Old Boys. I am always impressed by his passion and his love for the school, as well as his generous nature.

HBHS would like to acknowledge his support of our school leavers and a very special thank you for his extremely generous gift to rowing.