Our Trustees

Robert (Bob) Hawkins (Chairman)

“My initial involvement with the Maritime Museum was as chair of the Auckland Maritime Society, along with fellow members, including the late Bill Laxon, assisting in laying the foundations of the Maritime Museum. A lifelong association with ships and the sea, including both professionally as a mariner and sailing on all types of craft from yachts to square riggers and steam powered vessels, has lead to my time as Trustee and Board member of the Museum which continues today in promoting the Museum collections, exhibitions and the funding of these activities.”

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.”

Tony Whiting

“I have been fortunate to have been sailing since childhood and have learnt to love our mother ocean and, in particular, the Pacific. I have been involved in the marine industry in New Zealand, owning a number of businesses, including boat building and marine engineering, and am now retired. I sail a classic yacht around New Zealand and the Pacific and also support the growing fleet of wakas on their Pacific voyages. I look forward to contributing to and supporting our fantastic Maritime Museum through the Foundation.”

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.”

John Gresson

“I have spent my working life in the maritime world: as maritime lawyer in private legal practice; in commercial management and governance of shipping companies trading throughout the Pacific; and as commissioned officer in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. I have been involved in many forms of sailing, and a spectrum of yachts from my own 1904-built ‘gaffer’ to participation ashore in three America’s Cup campaigns, including the first foiling monohull edition. I knew and respected Bill Laxon as a professional colleague. I hope to be able to contribute to his legacy.”