Twenty-five years? But I’m just the kid!
The reality is I am now a journalism lifer, the generous grey flecks in the thinning hair an ever-present reminder that this has been my gig for a rather long time, and while the travails of life have not managed to kick all of the youthful optimism out of me, they have certainly given it a good crack.
I am proud to be a survivor.
I’ve won no awards, earned no fortune, made few friends and written hundreds of forgettable stories.
I’ve made mistakes. I’ve missed big stories. I’ve annoyed people.
At times I let this job overtake my life, to the detriment of those closest to me. The personal anguish I have experienced in recent years finally helped reveal that it is the LIFE in work-life balance that carries more weight.
But I still love the job. I take it seriously, and do my best every day. And I still value this newspaper, and believe it does more heavy lifting in this town than most realise.
My thanks to the great people I have met and who have supported me.
Indulge your sports editor as he lets 25 years flow by.
First story (1998)
Todd Marshall will forever hold a special place in my life. He had just been appointed Nuggets coach, and I was commissioned to write a story. Weirdly, I still remember the intro: "The voyage has been rocky, but the ship is still afloat." Cliche alert.
First athlete interview (1998)
The divine, on and off the court, Anna Rowberry. "Annie" could not have been more patient with a goon who knew little about netball.
Crazy success (1998)
It was the inaugural year of the Otago Rebels, and they and the Otago netball team combined to win 22 straight games and claim two national championships. An extraordinary bunch.
First page 1 lead (1999)
Dunedin canned from the international netball calendar because it did not have an appropriate stadium. The Silver Ferns never play here now, and no-one seems bothered by that.
Fantastic football (1999)
The Fifa Under-17 World Cup was an immense buzz. Sixteen years later came the Under-20 World Cup, and the Fifa Women’s World Cup this year should top them all.
Ecstasy and agony I (1999)
A week covering the world netball championships in Christchurch was a thrill (never thought I’d say that about the flatlands). Painful, though, to watch the Silver Ferns come up short.
Ecstasy and agony II (2000-01)
Heading home to work at the Oamaru Mail for 15 months was great fun. Watching the Old Golds lose back-to-back NPC finals made me cry like a baby. Happier times were to come.
Just some swimmer (2003)
Who is the most famous person you have interviewed? Always a common question. And an easy answer: swimming immortal Michael Phelps. In Dunedin. You heard.
Back to Christchurch for 10 days to cover the softball world series, and what a blast to see the Black Sox charge to victory. Later in the year, a four-week trip on a scholarship to the United States that included a high school football game under the Friday night lights in West Texas. Please take me back.
A roaring time (2005)
Bravo to my boss at the time who pushed for his rugby writer - and photographer Craig Baxter - to spend five weeks on tour with the Lions. An absolutely amazing experience, possibly never to be topped. The year also included a run to the NPC final by my favourite Otago team.
Mon dieu (2007)
Sorry, what couldn’t be topped? Try six weeks in France, Scotland and Wales. It was a long time to be away from family, and the All Blacks completely spoiled the ending, and Critic ruthlessly mocked my writing before naming me New Zealander of the year (WHERE IS MY PRIZE?), but goodness me. Lucky man.
Leadership roles (2008)
A reasonably big year. Became sports editor, and cried bucketloads when my son was born.
Unexpected love affair (2009)
Sent to cover the New Zealand Open golf at The Hills for the first time. Was not expecting to have an absolute ball. Best sport to cover.
Yawn (2010)
No, we were not bored at watching the All Whites at the World Cup in South Africa. But it was tricky to stay awake as two colleagues and I twice put together match reports at 4am for the front page of the paper.
Yes! (2013)
I was not the rugby writer - my old mate Heppers had the honour - but I shared in the absolute joy of Otago winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years. Yes! was the inspired page 1 headline chosen by then-editor Murray Kirkness.
North again (2014)
The reason was sad - Dad was dying - but the move back to Oamaru was (mostly) good for the soul. Very grateful for being allowed to stay sports editor at large for a year.
A new adventure (2015)
Allied Press had bought the Oamaru Mail and turned it from a daily into a weekly. The first editor? This guy. It was challenging but immensely enjoyable, and taught me more about the value of local journalism than I could have imagined.
Do you believe in miracles? (2016)
Not even my club. But Maheno’s amazing victory in the Citizens Shield final might be the best grassroots game I have seen.
Mr Manager (2017)
Not technically part of my journalism career but being manager of the First XV for my beloved Waitaki Boys’ High School was an enlightening life experience.
The assistant (2018)
Privileged to serve as part of the executive team under editor Barry Stewart for nearly three years. Though some people whose letters I rejected probably still have not forgiven me.
Coming home (2021)
Did I want to be sports editor again? Silly question.
The late Brent Edwards taught me to be a sportswriter, the late Alistair McMurran taught me the value of humility and the great Craig Page taught me how to be a sports editor.
All my Oamaru Mail colleagues helped me become a better editor, and Sally Rae helped me become a better human.
Steve Hepburn was a great right-hand man, Matt Smith educated and inspired me, Rob van Royen turned from apprentice to master, Jeff Cheshire became a younger brother and Kayla Hodge has made a highly promising start.
TL and Bluey and Jane and Ben and various other subs have made me look good.
Above all, my old sparring partner Adrian Seconi - the best writer at the Otago Daily Times - convinces me every day that we still have the best job in town.
Top 10 sportspeople
Mark Dickel
Nick Evans
Anna Rowberry (now Stanley)
Brendon McCullum
Leonard King
Suzie Bates
Courtney Duncan
Ben Smith
Anna Scarlett (now Harrison)
Mahal Pearce
