Old Boys Newsletter December 2021

From Stuart Leighton's Pen...

Term 4 News about our Old Boys:
   Old Boys Functions Auckland July 23/24 2021David Grayson, Stuart Leighton, Matthew Goodson, Barry Tremaine  by PNBHS

     Term 4 Old Boys Notes


Craig Clare

Craig Clare (1998-02) -is proof of the adage “you are a long time retired” as he continues to play rugby for Whanganui and was also picked in this year’s Heartland XV.

Mathew Lambert — Image by: Heretaunga College

Matthew Lambert (1997-01) – is the Assistant-Principal at Heretaunga College. He was formerly Head of Physical Education and Health at the school. He runs a Facebook page called the “PE Gear Shed” which allows PE teachers from NZ and around the world to share, discuss, collaborate and form connections.

Andrew Shouksmith

Andrew Shouksmith (1972-76) – is a paramedic with the South Australian Ambulance Service.

Dave Stewart (1963-67) – with his wife Vicki (nee Eaton) and their son Andrew (1995-99) are Directors of Mitre 10 in Featherston Street, opposite the school. Andrew is General Manager and his role is very much hands on while Dave and Vicki enjoy a quieter role. Dave and his cousin Peter Stewart (1971-75) sold the iconic PN business Stewart’s Electrical Supplies 7 years ago. Dave and Peter were third generation in the business which was in the family for 69 years.

Dave’s grandfather, Geoff Watchorn was a foundation student of the school in 1902 and is eighth on the original register. The magnificent Watchorn Trophy is presented to the school’s Senior Heavyweight Boxing Champion every year. Dave’s father Arnot (1934-37) also attended the school.

Mark Stafford — Image by: LinkdIn

Mark Stafford (1978-82) can be heard on SENZ Radio, NZ’s Home of Sport, Monday to Friday mid-day to 4pm.

Richard Frith

Richard Frith (1967-71) who was Head Boy in 1971 has been a neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist at Auckland Hospital since 1985 and part time clinical neurophysiology practice since 1989. At Auckland Hospital he works with other neurologists providing general neurology and neuro physiology services to the region. He is chairman of the ADHB Charitable Trust and the Juluis Brendal Trust and is the President of the Australian and NZ Association of Neurologists.

Kieran Horsley

Kieran Horsley (2009-13) – has completed an Accounting qualification through Massey University and is now the Accountant for Plumbing World in PN. He takes on cycling challenges in his spare time.

Regan Wright

Regan Wright (1992-96) After 20 years of banking including 3 years in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Regan has accepted a new challenge as General Manager of Wairakei Pastoral Ltd and has moved to Taupo. The Wairakei Estate, one of the largest of environmental pastoral holdings in the southern hemisphere is situated between Reporoa and Taupo. From pastoral farming, livestock grazing, forestry, riparian waterways and restored wetlands, to extensive native planting and birdlife, Wairakei Estate is home to diverse and precious natural resources of significant scale.

Elliott Tuck

Elliot Tuck (2012-16) after completing a Bachelor of Applied Management through UCOL (Universal College of Education) in PN, Elliot has moved to Hamilton to take advantage of numerous career opportunities. He is currently working in Retail and Trade Sales with Mitre 10 in Hamilton.

Elliot has also worked towards internationally recognised qualifications such as becoming a Disciplined Agile Scrum Master, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a Xero Certified Advisor and Amazon Web Services Cloud Practitioner certified.

Luke Scott — Image by: Internet

Luke Scott ( 2015-19) was third in this year’s Athletics NZ 10,000 metre challenge, recording a big personal best 30m 52.60. Luke is using events like this as part of his preparation for a Triathlon career but unfortunately Covid is being very disruptive to his future plans. He has incorporated study and part time work into his training schedule.

Nick Ross

Nick Ross (2001-05) is a Senior Architectural Designer at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott In Wellington. Nick has seen the firm grow from 28 to over 100 staff, and is running all stages of projects from concept to construction. Nick has gained experience in residential, commercial, public, healthcare and community builds. He is currently working on projects for NZDF, Kainga Ora and DOC to name a few. He is also working on a couple of mid-rise builds (8 and 12 storey).

Nick was a former member of the OK Chorale and was with the NZ Secondary Schools’ Choir, followed by the NZ Youth Choir with Simon Kersten and Tim Graham. Nick still enjoys amateur theatre and has had leads in Beauty and the Beast, Rock of Ages and The Full Monty.

Nick and his partner are kept busy (I think he is already) with their two sons James (3) and Oliver (12 weeks).

Mike Evans 

Mike Evans (1985-89) is the Executive Principal/Director at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and Arran Lewis (2008-12) is a Senior Architectural Graduate.

Mitch Leach (2014-18) graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Australia in 2020 as a second-lieutenant and was posted to the 2/1 RNZ Infantry Regiment in Burnham. For 2022 he is transferring to the Australian Army and will be based in Newcastle.

Daniel Greenblatt

Daniel Greenblatt (2010-14) is in his 6th year of studying for a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. He has had articles published on strokes.

During his summer break, Daniel with two other medical students are undertaking the Te Araroa Trail, starting at Cape Reinga. He is not only planning a personal challenge but also fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of NZ. A disease which his mother suffers from. If you would like to support Daniel you can go to “givealittle.co.nz/…./ taking on- te-araroa-for-the….# or go to his Facebook page.

Daniel played 96 times for the 1st Football X1.

Dane Cleaver — Image by: CD Cricket

Dane Cleaver (2005-09), in his first T20 for the 2021/22 cricket season, made it a memorable game by scoring his first T20 century against Mitch Renwick’s (2006-10) Otago. NZ’s 9th fastest.

Chris Pither 

Chris Pither (2000-04) and his co-driver finished a credible 12th place in this year’s “Great Race”, the Bathurst 1000.

Maurice Kjar

Maurice Kjar (1935-38) (pronounced Care) was one of the founding fathers of Kawerau and one of its feature areas, The Maurice Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool is named after him.

During World War Two Maurice served in the 18th Armoured Regiment in Italy. Following the war he worked for the NZ Forest Service at the Waipa State Mill as the office manager. In 1954 he joined the Tasman Pulp and Paper Company as the executive assistant to the sawmill manager. He swiftly moved through the ranks, holding several executive positions in the commercial department. He was appointed general manager in 1972. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1955. He was married to Kath and had two daughters, Barbara and Margaret.

Maurice took a keen interest in community affairs in Kawerau and served three years, 1959 to 1962 on the first Kawerau Borough Council. He was among the band of dedicated workers responsible for the planning and construction of the Kawerau Swimming Baths.

Maurice was a founder of the Kawerau Cosmopolitan Club and a member of the Whakatane Golf Club, the Kawerau RSA and an honorary member of the Kawerau Chamber of Commerce.

He died in 1974.

Kenneth Keyte

Kenneth Keyte (1977-81) worked for the NZ Dairy Board for many years which included a number of overseas projects. He has been in full time ministry for the last 15 years and is currently the All Nations pastor at the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle in Queen Street. He is married to Raewyn and they have four children.

Vili Tosi — Image by: Internet

Vili Tosi (2002-06) is a Director at Homely Property Management Ltd. They are a new company to the Manawatu Region offering a personalised and tailored approach for their clients wanting a stress-free property management service.

Michael Chapman

Michael Chapman (2002-04) is involved with sales and service at Air Compressors and Compressed Air Equipment with Kaeser Compressors NZ Ltd in PN. He is a mechanical engineer with experience in servicing air compressors and pneumatic equipment.

Josh Reed — Image by: LinkedIn

Josh Reed (2013-15) is finishing his third year at Lincoln University studying Agribusiness and food Marketing. He is looking at a career in sales and marketing in the Agribusiness sector. Josh loves the outdoors, be it on a boat, up the river or on the cricket field.

Kevin Burnett

Kevin Burnett (1972-76) after a distinguished 33 year career in the NZ Army and retiring as a Lieutenant- Colonel, Kevin has had senior roles in the Ministry of Justice and Defence followed by working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He is currently the Ambassador to Indonesia. He was formerly Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and principal advisor to the Chief Executive in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Kevin was also Consul-General to Honolulu.

Kevin and his wife Catherine had 3 boys who all attended PNBHS; Michael, David and Stephen.

Michael Burnett

Michael Burnett (2005-09) is the General Manager of The Brothers Green, producers of Premium Canterbury, New Zealand Hemp. The product has been launched as NZ’s greatest anti-inflammatory natural formula.

Michael gained a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University and was a former operational expert who worked in the dairy industry.

In 2018 Michael sold his house in Christchurch and left to go backpacking through Central America and spending some time thinking about what he could do to make a positive impact and change in his three passions; health, the environment and farming. He was on a volcano in Guatemala when the “penny dropped”. He immediately booked flights home and joined with two other guys to start The Brothers Green. Michael sees hemp as a powerful, sustainable crop that New Zealand’s primary producers can utilize to enhance their businesses while also regenerating their soils.

David Burnett (2006-10) is finishing his masters in Archaeology and has been working with the conservation of turtles in Australia and living in Perth.

Stephen Burnett (2009-11) transferred to Wellington College for his final two years at secondary school.

He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics at Otago University. Stephen, following the family tradition is a reservist Army officer in the NZ Defence Force and works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade as a Foreign Policy Officer currently responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean. Stephen will shortly be moving with the ministry to Seoul, South Korea for a two year posting.

Todd Pemberton — Image by: LinkedIn

Todd Pemberton (2006-10) is the Commercial Manager at Farmers Mutual group in Horsham Downs, Waikato. He is a Senior Associate, General Insurance of the ANZIIF and holds a Financial Advisors qualification through the same organisation.

Simon Karipa — Image by: LinkedIn

Simon Karipa (1987-91) is the Executive Director of the Te Puia Tapapa GP Limited. He is also the chairman of Te Ngakinga O Whanganui Investment Trust which manages the assets of the iwi of Te Awa Tupua ( The Whanganui River), the General Manager of Ngati Apa Ki te Ra To Trust for the Tasman Region, Chairman Whanganui Iwi Fisheries Limited, Director of Whanganui District Council Holdings Limited, Alternate Trustee Crown Forestry Rental Trust (Simon was appointed by the High Court to assist the trust continue to undertake its activities where trustee conflicts of interest arise), and Managing Director/sole shareholder Paraekaretu Solutions Limited ( a private consulting firm providing governance, management and commercial solutions for primarily Maori/iwi groups).

As you can see Simon is very busy with many challenges and has stepped down from three other boards in the last two years.

Bevan Holdaway — Image by: LinkedIn

Bevan Holdaway (1991-95) is the Head of Insights, ANZ based in Auckland. Bevan says his mission is simple, “to build a banking platform that customers, bankers and the planet will love”. His team aim to build a better and more sustainable world by helping businesses get the information, insights, data and support they need to make better business decisions. This is done by connecting physical and financial data to support climate risk analysis and create opportunities to connect to green finance.

Bevan has been with ANZ for 13 years and before that was in the UK with HSRC Global Banking and Markets.

David Walker — Image by: Vetty

David Walker (2001-05) is the CEO and Co-Founder at Vetty Pet Healthcare in Tauranga. A company which he started with a veterinarian 3 years ago.

David has a Bachelor of Business in Agricultural Business and Management from Massey University and started his working life in banking.

Vetty is a subscription service which provides an easy way to keep pets in great health all year round. Vetty select the most effective, safe products tailored to the NZ environment and put them into plans which are delivered to customer’s doors every time the pet is due for parasite medication. This is NZ’s first pet healthcare subscription service.

Sam Higgie

Sam Higgie (1995-99) has recently been promoted to be the Head of Retirement at Equipsuper in Melbourne. Equip, one of Australia’s oldest superannuation funds, started in 1931 as the Provident Fund of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and has grown to become a $17 billion fund operating across a multitude of sectors. Sam joined Equipsuper in 2018 as a Product Strategy Consultant.

Armando Strange (2006-10) completed a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Economics through Waikato University. While at University he helped start and build up the Waikato Management Student Association which is now the main association which deals with the Management School at the university.

After graduation he worked as an Auditor for Deliotte before joining a business advisory and private taxation consultant in Cambridge. Recently he moved into a commercial role working for a utilities company as their corporate systems and project management accountant.

He and his partner have purchased a home in Te Awamutu.

Greg Bates — Image by: Facebook

Greg Bates (2011-15) is an Electrical Electronics Engineer with Chiptech Ltd in Christchurch. After completing his engineering qualification through Canterbury University Greg joined Chiptech, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of quality digital telecare products that help people to maintain their health, independence and safety.

Greg was Captain of the 1st Hockey X1 in 2015.

Bede Blatchford — Image by: LinkedIn

Bede Blatchford (2010-14) is the Associate Director/Office Leasing with Colliers on the Gold Coast of Queensland. He, like the person writing this, are long suffering Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur) supporters.

David Cameron

David Cameron (1972-76) is the Contracts Manager for Filtration and Pumping Commercial Ltd in PN. He is in charge of commercial contracts and has been involved with the company in all water treatment plant design for over thirty years.

David continues to successfully coordinate and run the company’s contracts as well as being a CAD draughtsman and being involved with the day-to-day installation work with the team.

Prior to his employment with FPC he was an Aircraft Engineer in the Royal NZ Air Force.

He has retained his interest in flying and is the Manawatu Districts Aero Club’s Flying Director. David has been a recreational pilot for nearly 50 years. The MDAC is one of the oldest clubs in NZ, formed in the 1930s. The club flys out of Feilding’s Taonui Aerodrome.

Neil Wedlock

Dr Neil Wedlock (1972-76) is a Senior Scientist at AgResearch. His current projects in the Animal Health Solutions team are development of a vaccine for ovine pneumonia, improved diagnostics for bovine tuberculosis and Johne’s disease and new adjuvants/vaccine delivery systems. Additionally, he leads a team developing a vaccine to reduce methane emissions in ruminants.


Brian Mitchell (1955-58) after leaving school worked in Tokoroa with Ross Todd Motors. “Itchy feet” took him to Australia, married an Australian and started a position as an Accountant for Whitakers Saw Mill in Greenbushes, Western Australia; a timber and mining town. Brian and his wife moved on to Price Machinery in Esperance, Western Australia. Two children later and owning an accountant and management advisory service, GST convinced Brian a change was required and, as the children were off their hands a move to Queensland and finance controller at Coral Cove Resort and Golf Club in Bundaberg was made in 2000. Retirement beckoned in 2005 and Brian and his wife purchased Quicksilver Limousines as a hobby (24 hours a day 7 days a week). After 14 years and fortunately pre-covid they sold and returned to WA where they now live in Millbridge, near Perth and play golf at Donnybrooke Country Club. They have three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Andrew Naylor

Andrew Naylor (1972-76) is the General Manager of Flame Tree Developments, a Fijian building company on Denarau Island. They specialise in Project Management Engineering, Land Surveying and Project Supervision in Fiji, Vanuatu and other Pacific Nations.

Andrew has been with Flame Tree since 2008. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), MBA (Diploma), MIPENZ, MFIE-Director. He looks after the business side of the company and has worked for developers and builders on projects in Fiji, NZ, Australia, PNG and Russia. His first venture into the South Pacific as a consulting engineer was 25 years ago when he worked on an international airport project in Papua New Guinea.

Andrew contacted the Old Boys Office during the year as he was wanting to reconnect with his peers from 3L1 in 1972.

Stu Leighton and Alex Rufer — Image by: PNBHS

Alex Rufer, Dux Ludorum in 2013, is the captain of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club for the 2021/22 Australian “A” League season.


Mike Kear — Image by: bluegrass

Mike Kear (1964-68) Deputy Head Prefect in 1968, has lived in Australia since 1981. He moved with his now deceased PN wife, Frances Wright (they were both brought up in Keeling Street), and raised two fine sons. Mike initially ran a telemarketing company and later Gesetner 1985-93 before starting his own business in 1993, AFP web Works (Internet and web development company). He has also been involved in community radio since 1997 and has his own award-winning weekly radio show that is syndicated around the USA and through Australia. Mike, pre-Covid was also the Ferrymaster on the 5 vehicular ferries around Sydney. His most recent project is marketing small hand-made gifts on the internet. We hope to see Mike at future Old Boys events in Sydney.

Mike was first introduced to Bluegrass music by the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band and developed a lifelong interest in the music style. When asked in Sydney to fill in on a weekly bluegrass radio show when a friend wanted a break from it for a couple of weeks, he took to it “like a duck to water”. 24 years later Mike now producers and presents a weekly five hour bluegrass ‘new releases’ show in Sydney called Music from the Foggy Hollow, that is syndicated on several stations in the bluegrass heartland of Kentucky, Tennessee and Washington DC, Maryland. Being a new releases show, 90% of the content is either not released yet or released in the last 6 months. Mike has worked hard to build relationships with the movers and shakers in the bluegrass world and can claim to be on first name terms with most of his musical heroes. Mike is on air in Sydney at 10pm Friday night (Sydney time) till 3am Saturday which sounds pretty odd timing but its Friday morning in Washington DC where he gets a lot of internet listeners either on their way to work or while they work through the morning.

In February 2022 Mike will be producing his 1000th show for the Washington station and a celebration is being planned for that. In October 2020 Mike was awarded the highest honour in broadcasting you can get from the pinnacle bluegrass body – (The International Bluegrass Music Association)- the IBMA Broadcaster of the Year – the first non-American to be awarded the honour in the 30+ years of the IBMA Awards

You can see the show on the show’s website – http;//atalkingdog.com