Ian spent four years of his early life at Huntley School and
as one of only six standard three boys to start school in 1962, got to know the
old buildings very well. He also spent a couple of terms in the new dormitory
block before moving on to Wanganui Collegiate, and then onto Massey University,
before returning to Pukemarama to farm in the lower Rangitikei in the Manawatu.
Whilst at Huntley, Ian played for the 1st XV in
1964-65 and also the 1st X1 in 1964-65, the second as captain. He also
played in Matt Guerins 1st X1 Football team which was very much a
fledgling sport in a School where Cricket and Rugby were totally dominant.
Sport also dominated School life at Wanganui with a year in
the 1st xv and much time spent on the cricket field.
On leaving school Polo took over and took Ian too many parts
of the world including time in England, Ireland, Africa and also Australia
where he represented New Zealand. An interest in horse racing and cycling
followed.
Thirty years farming led to other things, firstly as a
company director in the commercial world, a stint as President of the Royal
Agricultural Society of New Zealand (1998-2001), Chairman of Special Olympics
New Zealand (2010 – current) and then as Mayor of the Manawatu District
(2002-11), and more recently as the Member of Parliament for Rangitikei (2011 -
current).
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