A few career highlights (so far)

In the initial phases of my career, I was given the significant task of designing and project-managing an exhibition titled 'Our Solar System.' This exhibition commemorated the collaboration between the British Astronomical Society and the Spanish Government, marking the relocation of the Isaac Newton Telescope from its former site at Herstmonceux (formerly home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory) to its new location on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

I felt privileged to donate my time and resources towards creating the design and artwork for the print and advertising collateral, including ads, posters, and flyers, for the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's visit to New Zealand.
The nationwide tour was named “A Celebration of Kindness” and began in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. It was a true Celebration of Kindness, demonstrated by the kindest teacher himself.

Wellington Newspapers 'Tools for Schools' campaign, encouraged subscribers to donate their newspapers to schools while they were away on holiday instead of suspending their subscriptions. Brilliantly illustrated by Jo Tronc from Watermark, this initiative proved immensely successful, garnering an overwhelming response. I had the honour of receiving a New Zealand Marketing award for my art direction, design, artwork, and execution.

With the transition of rugby into the professional realm, I was approached to serve as the design, advertising, and web supplier for Wellington Rugby and the newly established Hurricanes Super Rugby Team. This marked the beginning of a longstanding partnership with the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby, where I remained their preferred choice for design, print, advertising, and web services for sixteen consecutive years.

In 2000, Wellington hosted its first tournament as part of the inaugural Sevens World Series, marking a milestone event held at the newly-built Westpac Stadium. Renowned for its festive ambiance, a significant number of attendees embraced the tradition of dressing up in elaborate costumes. Building on the success achieved with the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby, I was selected as the preferred supplier for design, advertising, printing, and web services for the Sevens' marketing collateral.

Wellington, dubbed as the 'coolest little capital in the world' by Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT), an esteemed regional tourism entity, has experienced remarkable growth in commercial guest nights, exceeding 60% over the decade leading up to 2010. The city has been showcased through numerous campaigns and taglines, notably including 'Send Yourself to Wellington.' Working with writer Eugene Doyle, for more than a decade, I had the privilege of providing design, art direction, and print management services to PWT.

Established in 1912 as the St James (or His Majesty’s), it became Australasia's largest and pioneering steel-framed, reinforced concrete theatre. In 1993, the Wellington City Council set up the St James Theatre Charitable Trust, launching a restoration project to enhance New Zealand's arts culture.
Assigned to craft marketing materials for sponsorship and donations, I also designed and produced the program and promotional materials for the 'Grand Reopening' event, featuring Elaine Paige. Over 16 years, I worked closely with St James Marketing Manager Lindsey O'Reilly contributing creative to the theater's marketing, show posters, advertising collateral, website, and email campaigns.

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is used widely in New Zealand, constituting around 60% of retail transactions. It facilitates the processing of debit, credit, and charge cards at sales terminals. I collaborated with PR agency The Presence and Chris Coad Photography to rebrand EFTPOS New Zealand. This entailed creating all marketing materials, including print materials, displays, signage, advertising, and website content, in anticipation of a nationwide launch. Shortly after the successful launch, ANZ Bank New Zealand acquired EFTPOS New Zealand. One particular memorable and definitely not to be repeated moment, Chris and I embarked on a mid-winter drive down 'Skippers Canyon' one of New Zealand's only uninsured roads 'just to get that shot', but what a shot it was.

In 1901, the New Zealand Government made history by establishing the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, marking the world's inaugural government department dedicated to promoting tourism.

A century later, I had the esteemed privilege of being commissioned by Tourism New Zealand to lend my expertise in design, artwork, print management, and the creation of displays and signage for their centenary commemorations. It was a profound honour to contribute to such a significant milestone in the nation's tourism legacy.
I continued to work with Tourism New Zealand for many years following.

A fleet of 12 identical 72' race yachts, each with 17 Crew Volunteers and one professional skipper, departed Portsmouth, UK in early October, sailing against the wind. They reached Wellington for a month-long refit just after New Year. Working closely with event managers Verve, I had the honour of designing and providing printed collateral advertising material and village signage for the BT Global Challenge, one of the world's premier ocean races. I was fortunate to be invited aboard the yacht Team Spirit for a sail around Wellington Heads—an unforgettable experience.'

Martinborough Vineyard entrusted me with designing and producing the label, packaging, marketing collateral, and website for their Marie Zelie Reserve Pinot Noir.

Marie Zelie Pinot Noir epitomizes New Zealand's Pinot Noir essence, reflecting Martinborough's unique terroir and honoring Marie Zelie, a pioneer in the local wine industry. This exceptional wine celebrates her pioneering spirit, representing the apex of New World Pinot Noir.
Crafted from an exceptional vintage, this exclusive wine underscores the dedication and precision of its creators (pictured), rightfully earning its place as New Zealand's most esteemed Pinot Noir.

During the early 2000s, an enticing opportunity arose: crafting the branding for New Zealand's inaugural Gin brand. Collaborating with Neil Catherall, Andrew Wright (pictured), was a delight as we developed the name, label, packaging, and advertising.
Following its launch, Lighthouse Gin surpassed all expectations, earning praise from discerning gin aficionados for its unique Kiwi twist. Acquired by Foley Family Wines in 2014, the brand is still overseen by New Zealand's sole female distiller, Rachel Hall, preserving its legacy cherished by enthusiasts worldwide. Cheers to the enduring spirit of Lighthouse!