As a kid, Bob loved exploring the outdoors: skiing, climbing, tramping, skydiving. He wasn’t so much of a rugby player, but getting involved is in his nature. So it was in 1984, at 20 years old, when he was playing a faculty game for the University of Otago’s surveying school. Decades later, he still recalls what a great game it was. But a scrum collapsed, sending him headfirst into the ground and paralysing him from the waist down, setting his life on a different course – one Bob has embraced with no regrets. 

After a gruelling rehabilitation, Bob returned to study, gaining a degree in maths and turning to computer science when the IT revolution was just catching light. He’s become an expert in his field, delivering mission critical services in energy and banking. In 1991 he met Janet, who would later become his wife. They had two children together, of whom Bob is endlessly proud. He’s revelled in the boisterous game of wheelchair rugby and thrived on the sort of intrepid travel that would scare many people off. Bob is a trustee for the New Zealand Spinal Trust, volunteers for the Duke of Edinburgh awards and, alongside his wife, he co-ordinates the national annual spelling bee competition. 

Bob has been delighted to see the New Zealand Rugby Foundation evolve into an empathetic force for advocacy, a source of unwavering support and an energetic network of peers. It makes him smile to see the improvement the foundation makes in people’s lives. 

Article added: Tuesday 31 October 2023