Stephen was elected as the fifty-first Head Prefect of King’s High School.

The highlights of Stephen's year were personally meeting Prince Edward, the School Formal (a huge task but a huge success) and beating Otago Boys' High School in Basketball at the regionals. Some of Stephen's other duties included organising junior and senior dances, giving readings at the 50th Jubilee and the Anzac Service, and going to a Mayoral Reception for the Otaki Scholar. 

Like most seventh formers, Stephen tried many different things in his last year at school. He was a member of the Choir and Madrigal Group. He also had a part in the year's musical. On the sporting side, he played in the seventh form Social Rugby team as well as playing Social Cricket, Volleyball and Tennis. Stephen's major sporting interest was Basketball where he was Captain of the 1st Basketball Team.

In 1984 and 1985 Stephen was awarded a General Excellence Prize. No academic prizes in 1986 – but a wealth of life experiences gained through the opportunities presented to the Head Prefect.

On leaving school Stephen continued his studies from 1987 to 1990 at the University of Otago where he graduated with a BA (Hons) History. Then from 1991 to 1994, he completed a Master’s Degree in History. Further study at the University of New South Wales from 1995 to 1999 saw Stephen becoming a Doctor of Philosophy in History.

Since 2015 Stephen has been Founder and Managing Director of ‘Making History Limited’ a company providing brand, communications, events, master of ceremonies, public relations, public speaking, research, story-telling and history.

Stephen has also been the Head of Remembrance for the Royal British Legion, the Historian for a 2015 Gallipoli Tour, the Historian/Host of 2017 Passchendaele Tour, a Lecturer on 'The Second World War' at Massey University, a Trustee for the United Services Medals Collection Trust, a Board member for the Hospitality Standards Institute, a Trustee for the National Army Museum at Waiouru, Committee member for the New Zealand Military History Committee, a Partner Investigator ARC Linkage Project for Monash University, a Director for the International Society for Commemoration, Memorials and other Monuments

Stephen has gained several awards for his work:

• Finalist in New Zealand Best Graphic Design (Large Brand Identity) for RSA
• Highly Commended in Not-for-Profit Public Relations for We Will Remember Them – 90th Passchendaele Poppy Pack
• Postgraduate Scholarship
• Kippenberger Memorial Fellowship – Special Award
• Postgraduate Award