Page 12 - Southwell School The Chronicle July

HEADMASTER INTERVIEW
DYROL LOWE (1981-84)
Name three of your strongest memories of Southwell?
Being a keen sportsman I still vividly recall athletics day which was always a Saturday event on the top field. The cross country through Jacks Paddock was always a highlight of mine and traditional cricket matches v St Kentigern and Kings. I really loved the competitive nature of sport at Southwell particularly compared to my previous school. I still have some vivid memories of some fantastic teachers that
I had during my time at Southwell. Tom Ross, Chris Calver, Major Gay and of course the headmaster at the time Moss Marshall, who was an incredible person. Oddly enough, one of my other vivid memories was every student at lunchtime received a half bottle of milk which was delivered on a trolley to the courtyard where we sat to eat lunch! It was excellent most days other than hot summers days when from time to time it was delivered luke warm.
As a talented and competitive sportsman, what are some of your adult sporting highlights?
I was always very keen on cricket and during my time at Southwell played 1st XI cricket and 1st XI soccer. I also played house rugby for Lincoln. From memory, I did not make one tackle in my house rugby career, nor ever got tackled but preferred to use my soccer skills to kick the
ball as far down field every time I received it as quickly as possible! Once I left Southwell, I represented Northern districts in u18 and u20 cricket at National tournaments and prior to this had 3 years in the Hamilton Boys high 1st XI
I eventually converted to rugby in my sixth form year at Hamilton Boys High school. Once I left HBHS I moved to Auckland and eventually played 2 seasons of rugby for North Harbour senior side with the highlight playing a Ranfurly shied game at a sold out Eden park. I would say however, the highlight of my sporting career was winning
a North Harbour club rugby championship with East
Coast bays in no small part due to one particular 1st 5/8 controlling proceedings and kicking goals from everywhere. Great times!!!
You have had an interesting career path, please share the journey.
When I moved to Auckland I studied physiotherapy on the North Shore at AUT. After finishing my physio degree I worked in private practice for 7 years at a couple of practices including for David Abercrombie who at the time was the
All Black physio. Following a stint overseas, traveling and working, I returned to Auckland and completed a Bachelor of Commerce in finance and economics at Auckland University. This led me to switch from physio to a career in financial markets and investment management. I currently work at, and am a shareholder in a business called Castle
Point funds management where we manage Australasian equities for a number of private clients.
Where are you living now & what do you enjoy about this area?
I am currently living in Auckland where I have been since leaving school other than some time overseas. I am an avid distance sea swimmer so really enjoy being close to the water and harbour living in Auckland. There are many things I don’t enjoy about Auckland including traffic etc but making the most of the harbour and the many regional parks at our doorstep is always a positive.
Please describe your beautiful family to us?
I am married to Serena who I met at physiotherapy school in Auckland. Serena still works part time as a physio in
a private practice. I have two adult boys. Ben, who is 21 and Harry who is 19. Both boys are at various stages of completing degrees at Auckland university. Both are keen on their sport and Harry has played premier men’s cricket in Auckland for 3 years. The boys both went to St Kentigern college and Harry was fortunate enough to be head boy there in his final year.
How do you look after yourself?
I have always continued to exercise and I guess I was fortunate to have a reasonable level of fitness when I was younger so have been able to maintain a lifestyle that allows me to regularly exercise. I am a morning person so swim at 5.30 am 4 mornings a week and have done this for 30 years! I walk regularly with Serena and we have done a number of the great walks. For many years I was a weekend warrior cyclist but the Auckland traffic meant that being on a bike you were an endangered species so I no longer ride. Too dangerous.
How do you relax?
We are fortunate enough to own a bach at Whangamata so get out of Auckland as often as we can. Serena would say I am an active relaxer so I spend much of my down time doing up our old bach and to be honest I find DIY activities a really good way to switch off from work and other stresses.
Whats the secret to a good life?
I think the secret to a good life is to appreciate what you have rather than pine for the things you don’t. If the last 3 or so years have taught us anything it is that we should never take anything for granted and appreciate every day. I definitely have a different view on life post COVID and somehow we now are very happy with some of the simple