THE CHANNEL GRILL - John Morgan
The Man in the MiddleAs well as being the well-respected Chairman of North Harbour Rugby, an active local junior rugby referee, and a member of the Blues Board, Mairangi Bay resident John Morgan has a big job as the CEO of NIWA (National Institute of Water & Atmosphere Research). John is a passionate Shore person, a father of six children (one daughter and five boys) and has been involved with rugby in the Harbour region, in one form or another, for over 20 years, with the East Coast Bays club, Rangitoto College and North Harbour. Aidan Bennett of Channel Magazine put some questions to him for ‘The Channel Grill’ during May.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long have you lived on the North Shore?
JOHN MORGAN: Been a Shore boy for over 22 years.
AB: What brought you here?
JM: The lifestyle and community. North Shore is a very special place to live. I work in the city and every time I drive over the bridge to come home, it’s like leaving the rat-race behind and returning to paradise.
AB: You obviously enjoy rugby and playing a part in administration. Being Chairman of Harbour must be frustrating at certain times?
JM: Yes I do, even though it does have its frustrations at times. But I work with a group of really talented and committed guys on the North Harbour Board who lighten the load. Despite the frustrations, I get so much enjoyment travelling around rugby grounds watching and listening to young kids stand up for the tribe they belong to, be it a club, a school, or the flagship of our region – the QBE Insurance North Harbour ITM Cup Team! In this overly politically correct world, rugby is one of the few bastions where young boys and men can enjoy a bit of rough and tumble, and find outstanding role models. And boys, girls, men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes can make a contribution, and have a tribe to belong to and stand up for. That makes it all worthwhile.
AB: Does Harbour get a good deal out of the Blues?
JM: We’ve had our moments over the years, and some of that has spilled into the media in a negative light. But in recent times there’s been a real determination and commitment by the Auckland, North Harbour and Northland rugby unions to work together to make sure we all do well out of the Blues.
North Harbour has always been a fantastic nursery for developing rugby talent, (that’s why we’ve produced so many All Blacks), so being a key part of the Blues is key to providing an aspirational pathway for players from ripper rugby right up to fully professional Super 15 rugby.
AB: Were you any good as a player? Wanted to be an All Black once? What happened?
JM: Definitely wanted to be an All Black. Always been a bit vertically challenged, so played half back since the 1960s.
I thought I was quick off the mark, could pass, kick, side-step, tackle and yap – so had all the makings of a half decent halfback. In my mind, I was going to be the next Sid Going.
Unfortunately, no-one else shared that view. Coaches throughout the years told me I got the ‘yap’ part right, but the rest of the skills were not so evident. What do coaches know anyway?
AB: How did you get into the natural resources business?
JM: I love science, and I love New Zealand, so when given the opportunity to be CEO of NIWA working with over 700 staff all focussed on natural resources and environmental science, I jumped at it.
We’re a country with a wealth of natural resources, and in a world where there are growing concerns around energy, food and water security, you would have to believe that New Zealand is well placed.
But we need to know a lot more about our land, rivers, lakes, oceans, and climate if we want to ensure our ongoing economic and environmental prosperity. Science is the key to that understanding.
AB: You must travel up and down the country a bit during your working week?
JM: Yes I do. Stewart Island a couple of weeks ago, Wellington and Christchurch next week, and Northland the week after. Never tire of seeing the country though.
AB: If somebody asked you why you have been so successful in your life what would be one thing that you could isolate as the reason?
JM: Success means different things to different people. Knowing what success is for you is the key, and then make that your goal.
For me, it is having a family that is loved, secure, well provided for, having fun and striving to achieve their potential.
AB: Remember any very good messages your Dad gave you when you were a young fellow growing up?
JM: My Dad told me once that he didn’t always remember to thank all those people who had done him a good turn, and he regretted that. But he remembers every bugger who’s treated him badly, so don’t ever forget that!
AB: Are the AB’s going to be good for the World Cup? As in good for a win?
JM: More than good enough. 2011 should be our year. And with 85,000 overseas visitors coming to New Zealand, we’re onto a winner anyway.
AB: Sonny Bill or Ma’a?
JM: Two outstanding players. Ma’a has proven himself over time, and he’s seen the light and signed for the Blues, so it’s Ma’a.
AB: If you are not working and not doing any rugby stuff what else would you do on your day off?
JM: Family time. Boating, fishing, gardening, reading, kid’s sport and entertaining.
AB: Super City working?
JM: Probably a bit too early to tell at the moment, but I think so. The potential opportunities created by the super city are compelling, so we all need it to work.
AB: If you had one piece of wisdom for our readers what would it be?
JM: Don’t believe everything you read or hear in the media these days because half of it probably isn’t true, the difficulty is working out which half.
Doing what I love doing
