Our Trustees

Bob Hawkins (Chairman)

“Bill Laxon was a fellow committee member of the former Auckland Maritime Society, which was instrumental in establishing the Maritime Museum. The Society gifted its collection of books and archival materials to the museum’s fledgling library. The Foundation set up in Bill’s name will support the library to serve a wider audience as the museum enters a new phase of development.”

Ian McCombe

“The Foundation was originally called the Bill Laxon Maritime Library Foundation. Bill was a noted maritime author and photographer. I was delighted to be asked to chair the Foundation which honours his memory and work. Its wider role is support for all the aspects of the museum and its preservation of our maritime heritage, which is crucial to our understanding of our place in the world.”

Brodie Stevens (Deputy Chairman)

“I recently retired from my role as Country Manager for Swire Shipping NZ. I’m a keen yachtie, sailing out of the Milford Cruising Club, and I’m very passionate about the preservation and display of New Zealand’s maritime history. I’m an independent director of the Port of Tauranga, Eastland Infrastructure, NZ Post, Chatham Island Shipping and a chairman of the NZ Maritime Superannuation Scheme. I’m married to Fiona with three adult daughters and live in Auckland.”

Eric Mahoney

“I have been involved in sailing for many years and have a keen interest in our maritime heritage. I have helped to restore a number of classic yachts which I continue to race with the Classic Yacht Association series. The Maritime Museum Foundation will play a pivotal role in supporting our maritime history for future generations.”