Farewell Jock Hobbs

Yesterday Nicky and her family lost a wonderful husband and the children their father, he was devoted to them all. It was the mark of the man that despite his many commitments Nicky and the children always came first.

Jock served as a director of Palliser from 19th June 2000 to 1st July 2008 and was always logical and professional. We will miss him along with so many Kiwis. The World Cup was hosted by New Zealand because of Jock and one of my fondest memories will be of Jock sitting amongst the AB’s  at the aftermatch party with a huge smile on his face because he had just watched the AB’s clinically destroy Australia. To me and many others the most poignant moment of the World Cup was Jock striding out onto Eden Park to deliver Ritchie his 100th cap. We were all willing him on hoping that he would not stumble but Jock just nailed it – he made us all very, very proud.

Jock of course saved New Zealand rugby and he was with us at one of the Bledisloe Cup tests in Australia and on the way to the game we were amazed at how many Australians came up and shook his hand and said “Thank you for saving our game”. It was a humbling experience.

A man of dignity, courage, impeccable values and a great husband, father and friend to us all. Thank you Jock for really just being Jock, you will live on forever in our hearts and minds.

Author: Richard

Thank You

THANK YOU

It was never going to be easy, the final was just a little close for comfort, but as a drama it was hard to beat. If the English needed a lesson on tenacity, bravery and courage I do hope they watched Les Bleus who were magnificent BUT our boys won and that is what history will record. From the moment Les Bleus challenged the Haka you knew it was going to be all on. I have never been in a Kiwi crowd who sang our National anthem with such pride and VERY loudly—it was emotional and passionate.

You knew this RWC was going to be special from the moment the Wakas slid silently into the Viaduct. The hosting rights were sold pretty much on the stadium of 4.5 million and that was a big call but New Zealand responded magnificently. It was not a cheap exercise going to the games but right across the Country people responded in their thousands and opened their hearts and homes to our visitors.

So thank you to Ritchie and his men for returning The Webb Ellis trophy to New Zealand. Thank you for the way you played against Australia in the semi final—I have never witnessed an All Black team play with such a clinical ferocity and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the courage, bravery and self belief in winning the final. Thank you to Jock and his team for winning the hosting rights. There were many special moments in this tournament but none more so than Jock presenting Ritchie with his 100^th Cap—two warriors each with their own mountain to climb. Thank you to Ted, Steve and Wayne you were the best coaches. Thank you to Martin Snedden and his team for staging a truly remarkable occasion. I have had messages from colleagues all over the World saying it was our time—my Australian colleagues being particularly gracious. So thank you to all involved, you made New Zealand very proud – our chests are bursting with pride.

KIA KAHA

Author: Richard

Game On

What a weekend. From the stunning opening ceremony on Friday night through to the nail biting South Africa vs Wales last night this tournament looks to have it all. The arrival of the Waka was majestic and very moving and set the tone for what was to come. The opening ceremony was very very good — there were a few tears shed and those that attended were privileged. As a Nation we can be very proud of the opening – it was fantastic and a perfect way to embark on the six week journey.

Then onto the Rugby. We saw some classic matches and what became very evident was that the so called minnows have raised their standard of play big time. The Romanians being roared on by a passionate Southland crowd against the favoured Scots who just got out of jail. The Argentineans getting stuck into England. The Japanese giving France a scare. Then the epic South Africa vs Wales. Mr Barnes is at it again – the kick missed– yeah right! The AB’s had one great half and one not so good but they are on the journey.

If the weekend was a sample of what’s to come then we are in for a wonderful six weeks. Welcome our guests and show them a very good time as opposed to an expensive time. New Zealand welcome the World and they will return.

Author: Richard

Kia Kaha Christchurch

As the full extent of the tragedy in Christchurch unfolded we all felt a tremendous sense of helplessness. What could we do to assist to alleviate some of the pain and anguish? Students and farmers alike just rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in as only Kiwis can. There has been great support from around the World. In many ways it has been a humbling experience. So many stories of bravery and as dog lovers we particularly liked the story of Kiwi leading his master to safety. Ultimately we decided that what was most in need was money and in a very small way Palliser and its people sent off a donation of $10,000.00. We of course have been staggered by the generosity of all Kiwis, whether it be money or plain old fashioned hard work and bravery. The stories are endless but it has in a way made us very proud to be Kiwis.Our prayers and thoughts are with all in the beautiful City of Christchurch.

Onto more cheerful matters. On Saturday 12th February our very own Pip finally got married to Matt. George and Olivia (the two lovely children) were there with bells on — Pip and Matt did things slightly in reverse.The bride looked stunning and a good time was had by all! Photo below

Narida has had a brain explosion and is off to Paris to run a marathon! Her logic is if you are going to run a marathon why not do it in a beautiful place which cant really be faulted. So good on you Narida and Good Luck. Narida was inspired by reading of Kerre Woodhams Paris marathon. Go Narida.

Vintage is approaching rapidly and the days are getting cooler. The first of the vintage crew has arrived from England – Catherine Petrie and she will be joined by Jane a Kiwi, Tao from Spain and Greg from the US of A. We will report further as vintage develops but its going to be early and compressed so some long days and nights ahead of the team.

Author: Richard

GOLD

A big thank you to all our supporters who sent congratulations on our success in the latest Air New Zealand Wine Awards (Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2009 – Gold, Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2008 – Pure Gold,  Palliser Estate Pinot Gris 2009 – Silver, Palliser Estate Chardonnay 2009 – Silver, Palliser Estate Chardonnay 2008 – Pure Bronze). Many congratulations to our very talented Winemaking team Allan Pip and all those in the vineyard which is where our wines are born.Its a complex business so success is sweet given the current global economic conditions.

Some winemakers, and remember we are an individualistic lot, seem to suffer from award fatigue and do not enter what are undoubtedly some the country’s quality wines. I have to say I regret this. We are a small nation trying to make a living in a very big and indifferent world. When a major corporate like Air New Zealand sticks with the wine industry during these difficult times and does everything it can to showcase the country’s best they deserve not just our thanks but our support too.

Now I have a confession to make. I was one of those lucky enough to attend the Direct Capital event at Papakura last week. I can’t reveal the exact venue but some of you may have read about it on the front page of the Sunday Star Times. I have to say it was a privilege to be with that extraordinary group of young New Zealanders who have done so much for our reputation around the world. We have not always been very generous to our military so I was glad that the group could make contribution to the appropriate trust fund which helps make life a little bit easier for their families.

Reflecting on Air New Zealand’s loyal support for encouraging the very best in our industry and thinking back on the people I met a Papakura last week makes me feel very positive about this country.

Author: Richard