Page 22 - Southwell School_The Chronicle July 2020
P. 22

                 GARY MOLLARD - CHAIRMAN
 TRUST BOARD
Jason Speedy interviewed our new Chairman of the Trust Board, Gary Mollard. Gary and his wife Louise are parents of two current Southwell students, Lachlan and Sam along with old boy William. The boys have two older sisters; Lydia married to Julian with children Ezra and Hazel; and Grace married to Will.
Where did you grow up and what did you enjoy in your childhood?
I grew up in South Auckland, first Mangere East and later in Papatoetoe. Mum and Dad were “caravaners” and for as long as I can remember holidays involved heading off somewhere around the North Island with the caravan. From Jacks Bay in the Bay of Islands to Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu to Lake Rotorua to Mt Maunganui. They were all great holidays and stay fresh in my mind as happy, family times.
What have been your career highlights?
Early in my career I took a one year leave of absence and travelled to the UK to complete a MBA. Upon returning my first “proper job” was as GM Marketing for Golden Bay Cement. It was an environment in which I learned
an enormous amount from the experienced colleagues around me and a culture that encouraged innovation
and doing things differently. In particular, I remember organising a customer trip to the cement factory in Portland (Whangarei) to celebrate the commissioning of a new clinker mill. The day involved travelling to Whangarei from Auckland on a fast ferry over breakfast. The opening ceremony followed by lunch on Motu Matakohe Island under a marquee in the middle of Whangarei harbour and then return to Auckland on board a Ja1250 steam engine from the Glenbrook steam railway complete with jazz band. A memorable day!!!
After Golden Bay I ran the Natural Gas Corporation distribution business, this role brought me to Hamilton, it too was a great learning experience. Following NGC
I was appointed MD of Avalon Studios Ltd, in Lower Hutt. A completely different business but again a great learning experience.
Later I had the opportunity to lead the MBO of NDA Engineering Ltd., a unique opportunity from which we were able to transform and grow the business. NDA now has more than 600 staff across locations in NZ, Australia and the USA.
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
Watching my kids grow up and transforming from
dependent, demanding babies to (dependent demanding ) teenagers and adults whose company I enjoy and who are fun to be around.
What do you enjoy about Southwell?
The people, positivity and energy. Seeing children do amazing things and seeing the support they get from their peers. Southwell provides an amazing environment in which our children have the opportunity to try things in a supportive, nurturing environment.
You’ve given great service to Southwell as a Trustee, Deputy Chairman and now Chairman, what drives you to serve Southwell?
Southwell is a unique institution, from the vision and generosity of CE Ferris and the Sergel family more than 100 years ago, Southwell has evolved into a coeducational preparatory school that is world class, with strong values and amazing opportunities while being accessible to a wide cross section of our community. From the early days the spirit of service and giving has been a hallmark of the Southwell culture. It is a privilege to be able to serve Southwell.
How do you look after yourself?
Gym, walking, running around after three energetic boys. Some R & R is important too, nothing like fun times with friends or home made burgers in front of a game of rugby with a glass of red.
If you could spend two weeks with your family anywhere, where would you go?
Active holidays are great for us. We have had great cycling holidays and great walking holidays. In two weeks we could complete two of New Zealand’s great walks, the Milford and the Routeburn with a couple of days R & R between, that would be perfect.
           Gary Mollard
 










































































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