Peter Kean is a well-known name in business circles, with Lion Nathan, Lion, and more recently the Lion Foundation. He is also on the board of New Zealand Rugby. He’s a long time friend of Kim and Billy Milne, owners of the Northcote Tavern, so doesn’t need an excuse to pop in and enjoy the hospitality. Aidan Bennett caught up with him during November for TavTalk.
AIDAN BENNETT: I understand you have known the Milnes for a long time?
PETER KEAN: Yes, for over 20 years. Firstly when I was National Sales Director for Lion Nathan, followed by MD of NZ Wines & Spirits and then as MD for Lion Nathan NZ. I left New Zealand to run The Lion dairy and drinks business in Australia in 2011 and returned in 2014. I joined the Lion Foundation board that year and renewed my friendship with Kim and Billy once again. They are not only very loyal to Lion Nathan, but also very loyal to the Lion Foundation. They have been with the Lion Foundation since it was established in the mid 1980s. The Lion Foundation is now one of the most respected Charitable Trusts in New Zealand and has provided grants totalling over $900 million to thousands of charitable projects. Kim and Billy have played a valuable role in helping us to achieve this.
AB: What are your first memories of going to the Northcote Tavern?
PK: The family-friendly atmosphere created by the Milne family, plus the lovely cross-section of locals, both young and old who frequent their local.
AB: How often do you try to pop in for a visit, drink or a meal?
PK: Most times when I am on the north side of the bridge when I am in Auckland. Some of my North Shore mates enjoy a drink there, so it is an easy decision!
AB: Sounds like you have an interesting life – the Lion Foundation, New Zealand Rugby and other business mentoring?
PK: When I moved back to New Zealand after living in Melbourne for three and a half years, I decided to try my hand at governance. I made a decision to have as much diversity as possible on the boards that I joined. I have managed that, plus it also enables me to travel around the country – and by being on some boards in Central Otago I spend quite a bit of my time “back home”!
AB: What is your favourite tipple when you visit the Tavern?
PK: Steinie Classic.
AB: The Tavern has a reputation for great pub food as well, do you have something on the menu that’s a favourite?
PK: It’s hard to beat their Roast!
AB: What is it that you enjoy about the Northcote Tavern?
PK: The easy movement between the indoor and outdoor ambience is a real feature.
AB: Complete the following: When I visit the Tavern I love it because…
PK: … the Northcote is all about the local community. The hotel epitomises that with the support and sponsorship of many worthy causes in their area. It’s a meeting place for the locals who actually treat the pub as their own and as a result the environment is very comfortable. Above all, it’s a fun place to be!
