Stu's Snippets - Old Boys' News
Hamish Adams (1982-1986)
Is the Chief Executive Officer at Athletics Ireland. Before this appointment in 2018, he had been with Rowing Ireland for five years and before that a Player Service Advisor for Ireland’s professional rugby players for five years, and the Academy Manager for Munster Rugby before that.
Congratulations to John Higginson (2008-2012) who won the top prize on the UK Royal Marines Commando Course – the Kings Badge.
John, a former Wellington Company 5/7 Battalion Corporal, was awarded the Kings Badge on the Royal Marines Commandos Recruit Course. At 32 weeks, the Royal Marines initial training programme is one of the longest and most arduous in the world. The Royal Marines are the UK’s Commando Force. They are an elite fighting force held at high readiness, optimised for worldwide response, and able to deal with a wide spectrum of threats.
John stated the values and discipline he received at PNBHS helped him achieve the Kings Badge.
History of the Badge
On his visit to the Royal Marine base in Deal, England, in March 1918, HM George V visited Royal Marine training. He was much impressed by what he saw, and he directed that the senior squad of recruits under training would be designated “The Kings Squad”.
As a mark of distinction, it is customary for members of the squad to wear a white lanyard on the left shoulder of their Dress Blues and to wear the chinstrap of their peaked hat under the chin. Today, over 100 years later, the senior recruit troupe at the Royal Marine training depot Lympstone is titled “The Kings Squad”.
Soon after his visit, HM the King, further directed that the best recruit in the Kings Squad should be awarded the Kings Badge. This badge will consist of the cypher of the King George V (GVR) within a laurel wreath. It is worn on the left sleeve. It is worn on all forms of dress, no matter what rank the Badgeman later attains.
While at school, John was part of Graeme Young’s well performed OK Chorale.
Jack Lord (2011-2015)
Is a builder with Isles Construction. He received a Freemasons Wilson Lewis Scholarship, which is aimed at helping tradespeople working in the construction industry develop their skills. The recipients have the option of studying one of three programmes at UCOL part-time for a subsidised free.
Jack joined Isles Construction as a labourer in 2017 after studying UCOL’s Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry). He completed his building apprenticeship in October 2021. He has chosen to study the Diploma in Architectural Technology, as he has ideas around designing building that he wants to bring to life. He feels the architectural programme will be great to help him unlock his creativity.
Hunting and Fishing owner and President of the Old Boys, Simon O’Connor (1981-1982) was humbled by community support after his business had been ram raided. Expecting to be closed for a week due to significant damage to his property and stock, thanks to community support, the shop was only closed for one day. He was very appreciative of local tradies who dropped things to help Hunting and Fishing to get operational again. Simon’s staff were over overwhelmed by people offering their support.
Simon has added more security measures to the premises and hoped to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Ben McDonald (1999-2003)
Is teaching at the Ngaanyatjarra Lands School, Warburton campus in Western Australia.
Josh Ellery (2010-2014)
Is a teaching fellow at Victoria University’s School of English, Film, Theatre, Media Studies and Art History.
Josh is also the Co-Director of Vocal FX who have begun rehearsals and preparing for the Pan Pacific Convention 2022. Vocal FX is a young people’s acapella chorus based in Wellington, with a focus of promoting barbershop to the youth of New Zealand. They have been performing since 2003 and were the Pan Pacific Chorus Champions in 2017. Their styles range from barbershop to upbeat early pop.
Patrick Takarua (2013-2017)
The school’s Head Boy in 2017 has commenced his post university career as a Policy Advisor for the Ministry of Justice. His starting date was delayed by the parliamentary protests.
Sam Thomas (2008-2012)
After completing a degree in psychology and philosophy, Sam was one of the founders and currently Operations Manager of O Studio in Christchurch. O Studio is New Zealand’s largest modern wellness centre. Their practices improve mental and physical health. It is a place to work on performance in a way that applies positively to all aspects of life.
Sam’s specialist area is teaching meditation.
Mike Chu (1984-1988)
Has taken on another challenge in the world of rugby as from late April. His new role will be with world rugby as the High-Performance Elite Education Manager with a focus on tier 2 and 3 countries. He was formally Head of Training and Education with N2 Rugby.
Mark Gunning (1978)
Will be playing for New Zealand in the over 60s Cricket World Cup to be played on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland in September this year.
Liam Gunning (2011-2015)
After completing an LLB/BA from Victoria University, Liam has commenced work as a Law Clerk with Russell McVeagh in Auckland. His work experience has included being a nanny/after school carer for a Wellingtonian family for three years. Liam has also been involved with the Howard League Prisoner Support Programme and helped mentor international students at Victoria University.
Tom Gillespie (1999-2003)
Is a Corporate Lawyer and Partner with Russell McVeagh in Auckland. Tom has extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, and venture capital transactions.
Tom is part of Russell McVeagh’s Corporate Advisory team, which was named NZ’s top deal firm at the 2019 NZLaw Awards. He was named as a rising star in 2021, featuring on NZ Lawyer’s Rising Stars list, which recognises lawyers demonstrating leadership and achievement within NZ’s legal profession.
Tom is also co-editor of Russell McVeagh’s ‘Energy Blog’, which puts a spotlight on the renewable energy sector in NZ and the regimes other countries have used to boost generation in this growing sector.
Taina Keelan (2013-2016)
Is a Corrections Officer at Manawatu Prison and was praised in the media in late January for a heroic act to save three people involved in a serious car crash south of Foxton. Taina rushed to the victim’s aid as a vehicle went up in flames following a two-car crash on State Highway 1, south of Foxton. He had the strength to force a damaged door open to enable the people to be removed.
Josh Nixon (2013-2017)
In 2021 Josh finished studying Visual Communication with Honours at Massey University’s Wellington campus.
Peter Robinson ( 1963-67)
Peter competed in the World Indoor Rowing Champs this year. If you remember Blair van Stipriaan featured last year as competing.
"My age group is 75-79 lightweight. I won the 2000m championship, a repeat of last year.
In addition, I also competed in the 500m sprint, but as there was no race for my age group, I took part in the 60+. I finished 8th and broke the New Zealand 500m record, which was my goal.
Two weeks prior to the Worlds was the USA championship, and I also took out first place in the 75-79 lightweight 2000m event.
Quite a hectic February, not made any easier by these events taking place in the early hours of the morning in the Southern Hemisphere! Has to be time for a break."
Well done Peter we think that is an awesome achievement.
Rod Grieve (1980-1984)
Rod Grieve has been commenting the 1st XV games for Sideline Live for the past two years. It's been great having his passion and enthusiasm in the commentary box. Sometimes he is joined by fellow Old Boy, our Mayor Grant Smith, Tim Meyers, Manawatu Rugby Director. or James Stewart. Recently Tom Illston-Parkes our injured Vice Captain also joined the Commentary team. Thank you so much.
Te Ariki Te Puni (2012-2016) Head Boy in 2016
Congratulations to Te Ariki Te Puni who has been selected as the Māori Vice-Chair of the Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ organisation. Te Ariki recently featured on Radio NZ talking about Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ, launched to champion greater ethnic diversity in leadership - click here to listen to the interview: https://www.rnz.co.nz/.../te-ariki-te-puni-the-young...
Sam Parry (2016-2020)
Congratulations and good luck to Sam Parry who won the U19 Oceania Cup Triathlon event over the weekend, securing his spot on the U19 team for the Junior World Championship. The Junior World Championships will take place in Montreal in June. Sam also qualified last year, however, the competition was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.
A few Old Boys' from 1978 were visiting from out of town and caught up with a few of our local boys at the Fat Farmer recently.
L to R: Lloyd Pinder, Craig Le Quesne, Tony Dowse, The Rector, Alan Buchanan, Bruce Campbell, Philip Rophia and later on on Saturday evening Andrew Pitcher joined the group at The Fat Farmer.
Ernest ''Buz'' Sutherland (1907-1910)
Ernest ''Buz'' Sutherland - who attended Palmerston North High School - was one of the best all-round athletes New Zealand has ever produced.
A farmer's son from Bunnythorpe born in Palmerston North in 1894, as a child he tried to pole vault 8 feet (2.4 metres) with a homemade pole and broke his arm.
He became the most versatile athlete in the British Empire and won 13 national championships in six events.
Alec Astle and David Syms
Caught up in Christchurch recently, they are also both involved in the Sweep Slog as coaches of the two teams.
Former Deputy Rector Alec Astle and his wife Jill have utilised their competitive natures to take on the challenge of croquet. Alec was awarded the 2021/22 season's most improved player in Canterbury Croquets Division Two. Alec halved his handicap during the season. Alec keeps himself busy by working with cricket clubs to review their systems, writing, plenty of DIY in Christchurch and Kaikoura, grandchildren, and fitness.
Tyler Laubscher (2014-2018)
Blair van Stipriaan catching up with Tyler Laubscher after his debut for the Hurricanes. Blair was Tyler’s PNBHS 1st XV coach, as well as his club rugby coach.
Ruben Love (2014-2019)
Congratulations to PNBHS Old Boy Ruben Love named in the Māori All Blacks squad to face Ireland in the upcoming series.
Dane Cleaver (2005-2009)
Congratulations to Dane Cleaver, on his inclusion into the Blackcap team. We are all so proud of you!
Coen Mitchell - 2007 to 2011
As a student, Coen always showed a keen interest in the biochemistry of human skin, astounding many of his teachers and peers with his knowledge. This, coupled with sublime artistic skills developed in the Palmerston North Boys’ High art department, determined Coen’s path.
During his final year of high school Coen developed an interest in tattoo artistry but, due to being very young, struggled to get a foot in the door at any local professional tattoo parlours. Coen moved out of home at the age of 17 down to Wellington where he studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Massey University. After one year Coen was lucky enough to be given the opportunity as a Tattoo Apprentice at a great studio/parlour in Wellington.
After four solid years of hard work and dedication to the craft, Coen developed a name for himself in the industry which then led on to three years of full-time travel around the world. He worked at the world's largest tattoo conventions and other studios in many different countries. Coen built up a very large international clientele base, featured in magazines, worked for Marvel Entertainment as a graphic designer, and won multiple awards through his artistic abilities.
Coen has now moved back to New Zealand, owns a successful tattoo studio in Auckland, and works alongside eight amazing colleagues creating some of New Zealand's best tattoo art.
Matthew Landmark (2007-11)
After completing a music degree in recording and production in Wellington at Victoria University, Matt moved to Melbourne alongside his partner Tamara and now works at a high school teaching Commerce.
Matthew is competing in MasterChef Australia 2022: Foodies vs Faves, which is currently screening on TVNZ 2. Check out Matt’s contestant profile below:
Matt Landmark (Fan)“Growing up in New Zealand with a limited budget, Matt at family dinners that were simple and nutritious. But he says they were budget staples, and he can recall the very first time he tried fresh coriander in a share house with friends. Blown away by the flavour, it marked the turning point in his cooking journey. Nowadays, Matt loves reading cookbooks, working on new techniques, and seeking feedback on ways to improve. He'll be a judge's favourite in no time.”https://www.who.com.au/masterchef-australia-2022-contestants
Raymond Tuputupu (2016-2020)
Congratulations to Raymond Tuputupu who has been selected in the New Zealand U20 Rugby squad for the Oceania Championships in July.
Campbell Stewart (2012-2016)
Congratulations Campbell Stewart, who has been selected in the New Zealand Commonwealth Games Cycling Team to compete in Birmingham.
Flyn Yates (2014-2018) and Johnny Galloway (2008-2012)
Congratulations to PNBHS Old Boys’ Flyn Yates and Johnny Galloway on signing for the Turbo's in 2022.
Ross Taylor
Congratulations to Ross Taylor (2000-01) on being awarded a CNZM – Companion of the NZ Order of Merit, for service to cricket and Pacific communities which was announced in June’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Ryan Dubbeldam (2005 – 2009)
Congratulations and good luck to Ryan Dubbeldam (2005 – 2009) who has been appointed as the Assistant Coach for the 2022 New Zealand Under 17 Women’s Basketball Team. Ryan will accompany the team to the Women’s FIBA Asia Cup in Jordan from 24 – 30 June where they will be looking to gain one of four spots for the Women’s FIBA World Cup in Hungary from 9 – 17 July. Ryan joined the PNBHS teaching staff at the beginning of 2022 and is involved with the Basketball Sports Development Programme and coaches the Junior A team.
Cam Dickons (2009 - 2013)
Has recently published 'Thorn Boy' and called into the PNBHS Library to donate a copy, which we greatly appreciate.
'There’s a boy dealing with the thorns inside his heart, a house at the end of the dock where a story with a secret is waiting to be told, there’s a gang of monstrous thieves pulling off the heist of a lifetime, a ballistic missile contemplating the intricate nature of life and love, and a pair of marine scientists about to discover something disturbing laying dormant in the darkest depths of the ocean. Fifteen works from new voice of fiction, Cam Dickons, this anthology is designed to excite, enrapture and entangle.'
Digby Werthmuller (2014-2018) Head Boy 2018
Congratulations Digby Werthmuller, who joins the Breakfast team as their new Christchurch reporter. We look forward to seeing more of him on TVNZ Breakfast.
Dean Budd (2000-2004) , Afa Tauli (2004-2008) and Andre Taylor (2001-2005)
Awesome to see three of our Old Boys’ Dean Budd, Afa Tauli, and Andre Taylor catching up in Spain. Afa spending time with Dean and Andre who are travelling with the Classic All Blacks.
Andre Taylor and Dean Budd were part of the Classic All Blacks who played Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Afa Tauli played for Spain in the match which the Classic All Blacks won 33-26.
Dean Budd is working with his brother Lloyd Budd (1996-2000) for Bayleys Commercial Real Estate in Auckland.
Ian Sandbrook, the school’s Head Boy in 2000 is the General Manager Performance and Talent for Northern Districts Cricket.
Andre Taylor (2001-05) is the Sports Co-ordinator at Ashhurst School. Scott Larsen (1996-01), Grayson Marsh (2002-06), and Reece Brosnan (2009-13) are on the teaching staff at the school.
Darren Michie (1992-95) is the Account Manager for Davis Food Ingredients in PN. He has been with the company since he left school. Darren is the Club Captain of the Te Kawau Rugby Club.
Aaron Mitchell (2008-12) owns and operates the Reform Barber Shop in Broadway, PN.
Liam Emery (2011-15) is the Marketing Director at Credit Glory.
Luke Taylor (1991-95) is a Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak Partners and Co-Head Americas, based in Austin, Texas, USA.
Stonepeak are investment bankers who specialise in infrastructure and real assets, investing capital on behalf of pensions, endowments, and other large institutions from around the world.
Luke was an outstanding host for the 2017 PNBHS Commerce Group at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York where 415 billion dollars of gold is held.
Zain Babar (2005-09) having completed a Bachelor of Accountancy through Massey University, Zain worked for three accounting firms in Auckland while finishing his Chartered Accountancy qualifications and from this year is an Internal Control Analyst at Ford Motor Company.
Bevan Griggs ( 1991-95) is the Head of PCM Queensland and Northern territory for ANZ and is based in Brisbane. He was formerly in Melbourne.
Orin Ruaine-Prattley (2011-2015) who played 1st X1 Football 2013-15 was in the Cook Islands Football Team which played in the Oceania World Football Cup Qualifying Tournament which was staged in Dohar, Qatar during March this year. Unfortunately, the team was affected by Covid-19 and therefore, only played one game. The tournament was won by New Zealand.
Since leaving school Orin has played for Marist FC in PN, Miramar Rangers, and currently Brooklyn Northern United in the Capital League First Division.
Orin is regarded as the joker in the pack. He is a writer/digital marketer by day and a budding standup comedian by night “getting the loudest laughs from the subtlest punchlines”, according to the Wellington Comedy website, which regards him as a unique performer.
Navin Patel, Head Boy in 2012 is a Client Executive for Leumi ABL, a finance provider in Hove, UK. He also keeps busy as the Director of Junior Cricket at Preston Nomads Cricket Club. Navin is the overseas professional at the West Sussex Club which plays in the Sussex Cricket League. He has been a member of the England Indoor Cricket team for the last 4 years.
James Coddington (1987-91) is the Founder and CEO of Joy Business Academy in Auckland. They develop and Distribute immersive educational games.
James’s idea of disrupting traditional education with technology evolved while he was CEO of NZ Ski, 2008-13, when 90% of his 1500 staff were under 35 and could often not be retained because career pathways were not there. James saw an opportunity using technology, including virtual reality to train people for jobs they may not otherwise see a path to.
In 2019 Joy Business Academy partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to develop and launch the “skills for industry” virtual reality learning experience. A talent attraction tool for job seekers and employers, it is designed to help fill skills shortage gaps in the construction industry now and in the future.
James says the Covid-19 lockdown was a pivotal moment for JBA. Its focus shifted from raising industry awareness to compliance and training aligned with NZ Qualifications Authority assessments and qualifications.
The company employs over 50 people across 5 countries.
Eion Hall (1989-93) is the Chief Information Officer at The University of Waikato.
John Lockwood (1966-70) is the Managing Director of McMillan and Lockwood Construction Company in PN.
Due to border issues. Callum Crawley ( 2014-18 ) missed an opportunity to race in the 2022 New Zealand Grand Prix in a Toyota FT-60. The race was cancelled due to border controls and MIQ requirements which left the organisers will little option.
Callum has a family history in motor racing and started like many others, including Lewis Hamilton, in racing karts. Callum won the NZ Formula First Championships in 2018 and was second in Formula Ford in the truncated 2020 season.
A $15,000 Castrol Scholarship has given him the opportunity to race at a higher level. But like many New Zealanders who are seeking to further their driving experience he requires support. Anybody willing to help him with sponsorship can contact him via email – callumcrawley79@gmail.com – or through his Facebook page – Callum Crawley Racing.
When not racing Callum can be found working for his parent's business, Autokraft 4x4.
Peter Cook (1963-66) visited the school in May this year. He lives in Rosario, Argentina where he has retired following a career with United Nations Commissioner for Refugees. Peter worked in many of the world’s “trouble spots”.
Reuben Dods (2013-17) has completed his first year toward a Masters of Horticultural Science at Massey University. He is researching the application of ultraviolet light recipes on plant gene expression with Agri-Tech company Biolumic, a Biotechnology Company in PN.
Reuben was the 2021 recipient of the Horticulture NZ Postgraduate Scholarship, receiving $10,000 and professional development opportunities.
Reuben first got excited about Horticulture as a career while at school. He is an advocate for others getting into the industry. “there's a wealth of opportunity including options to travel and lots of exciting problems to solve”, says Reuben.
Reuben completed his Bachelor's degree in Plant Science at Massey University in 2020. He enjoyed being part of the Massey Hort Society and travelling to South Korea on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme focused on horticulture opportunities for trade and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
The step into research for Reuben was natural. “I always enjoyed the nitty-gritty of doing science projects. Post-grad was never a definite but once I got involved with Biolumic and loved the team there, I agreed to take on this exciting project”.
You are in safe hands flying in and out of Palmerston North with Steve Taylor (1984-87), Jarred Small (1993-97), and Nick Seal (2000-04) all part of the PN Air traffic Control team.
Brendon Hartley (2003-05) won his third 24 Hours of Le Mans title on the weekend of 11/12 June driving a Toyota. His previous titles were in 2017 in a Porsche and 2020 in a Toyota.
A few Old Boys spotted at at Saturday Rugby recently.
All at PNBHS (2009-2013)
A bit of Chatter from Barry Clevely (1953-1956), we love hearing stories in the Old Boys' Office
"I went to watch the PNBHS 1st XV vs Collegiate game with Euan Hubbard. At Collegiate. The day was superb, weather wise and I had two real surprise. On the back of the Collegiate jerseys was a different sponsor. The first one I read was
Waipawa Butchery
Some of you may remember that is the small town I came from to College House. I know Roger and Nelson will remember though. Not in a million years did I ever except top see that name on the back of one of their jersey’s
Later in the game…our excellent fullback did the usual thing when a team was awarded a penalty only a few meters from the opposition goal line..he stood still and casually kicked for the side line, only a few meters out from the try line. I had my binoculars on the action….and I nearly dropped them when a collegiate fellow (wing) casually plucked the ball out of a low kick….and of course he was the Waipawa kid. Later I spoke to both players separately….the fullback he said he practiced kicking a low ball to a mate at practice….whist the Waipawa boy got a hell of a surprise.
The reason I went to Wanganui was it was Cokes first game coaching the !st XV after the Gus Wilson era……..Barrie Gibson and I played ( I presume also Graham Groombridge as well in the second XV game….then the BARRIE Gibson & RJBC were reserves for the Ist XV straight after….we did not get on the field……….the firsts lost 9 / 6 I think it was, and Coke was livid….
( He should have put us on!!!???) as the seconds won.
After the game I was saved by Gibbo….as he pulled me out of the shower which was far too hot as I was freezing and could not feel the temp.. Unfortunately, Barrie does not recall the incident.
Those of you who were on the bus back to Palmy will recall that we were all supposed to go and watch The Great Caruso featuring Mario Lanza.
Coke said we were not going. He was really upset. But when we got back to College House dear Betty convinced him we should be allowed to go. The final part of the verbose story is that at the Colquhoun’s golden wedding celebration at Ruth Pretty’s fab place @ Te Horo I told this story as Coke was getting all the accolades so I though Betty should get some too.
That game signalled the end of my white jersey career in 1955. Coke promoted Lawrie Wilde…………..
The Olympic Games bronze medallist is closely related to that family. Hayden won the first medal at the games.
Grandfather Bruce Wilde, sends me all the info on his races. Hayden is a super athlete……and should do very well at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. 5000 m and the tri- athlete His nickname is The Falcon.
Cheers
RJBC"
Thank you to Malcolm Stockwell ( 1955-59), who is de-cluttering in Napier in preparation to go to a retirement village, for resources which have been given to archives. Of particular interest was the programme from the 1957 production of The Pirates of Penzance with signatures of all the performers.
If any Old Boys are in the process of de-cluttering and come across school related material which you no longer require, our Archivist Dominic King, is always keen to receive it.