BBNZ National Executive
Les Bouterey - President
Les has had a long involvement with BB,
passing through the ranks of the 6th Christchurch Company when he commenced as an
intermediate midway through 1960, gaining his QB in 1963.
He has attended NLDC courses as a boy and served later as a squad officer.
Les has been Captain of the 6th ChCh Company for 25 years, held numerous
organisational, training and other leadership positions in the Canterbury Battalion and
has also been prominent in new conceptions of camping and award programmes for young
people.
Co-opted to BBNZ as Programming Convenor, his skills lie heavily in the areas of
planning and conceptualisation, organisation and communication.
He continues to assist local BB Companies as required and currently works as an
Electrical Service Technician dealing with Postal Automation systems. Les and his wife
Gay enjoy ballroom dancing but whenever time permits is allowed a spot of mountaineering
and tramping.
Phil Hathaway - National Director
My name is Phil Hathaway, and I am very excited
to be taking up the role of National Director. Although I am aware I have huge shoes to fill, I am looking forward
to all that lies ahead. I have a vision and a passion to see this organization expand and grow, as more boys join
up and grow in confidence and faith. It is a privilege to see God’s Kingdom come, and His will done in the lives
of these boys.
I live in west Auckland, and have been a ‘Westie’ all my life (sold the Holden a long time ago, though!). I was
brought up in a Christian home, (a ‘PK’ (Pastor’s Kid)), have been blessed to have a rich heritage of faith.
I have been married to Victoria for 17 years, and we have three awesome sons.
I became involved with ICONZ when my two oldest sons joined the local group. I was impressed with what it had
to offer boys, and was quick to take up a leadership role. I am currently running the group at Northwest Baptist
Church.
I’m a practical person, having run my own construction company for over 15 years. I love the outdoors, and
enjoy a wide range of interests, including fishing, surfing, tennis, camping, and rugby. I also love music, and am
not too bad on the drums!
I have a heart for mission and have travelled several times to Kolkata, India. I believe the more we look out
and understand poverty in a global aspect, the more we can appreciate what we have in our country and in turn
focus on the needs of people in our local communities.
I look forward to meeting you all, and enjoying this great adventure together.
Eric Russell - National Treasurer
Eric has had a long involvement with the Boys' Brigade, passing through the ranks of
1st Blenheim from Team Section through to gaining the Queens' Badge in 1968.
He served for a time in the 70's as a lieutenant in 14th Wellington Company,
and as Treasurer for the Wellington Battalion. He currently works for a firm of chartered
accountants in Te Aroha. His wife Wendy is a great supporter, providing time to enable
him to carry out the financial work of Brigade.
Josh Olson - Youth Representative
Hey there! I'm Josh Olson, the BBNZ Youth Rep for 2009-2010.
I'm 18 years old and am in my first year of my building apprenticeship in Palmerston
North. I joined 2nd Palmerston North Boys’Brigade at the start of Team Section when I
was 8 years old and progressed through to attaining my Queen’s Badge in 2008. I attended
NLDC Stage 1 in 2007 and Stage 2 in 2008. This year I've stayed on as a Staff Sergeant
at my company.
BB has been a huge part of my life and I believe a lot of my greatest memories and
life experiences are thanks to my time in BB. I have been on so many great camps and
tramps and made heaps of great friends.
Other parts of my life involve my church where I am a youth group leader and I also
sing in the worship band. Music is a huge part of my life; as well as singing I play
the cornet in Palmerston North City Brass Band. I have a real passion for cars - at
the moment I have a slightly battered late 80s van, which takes up a bit of my time
trying to keep it going. It is great for helping with my most favourite pastime,
spending great times with my amazing friends, making many awesome road trips all over
the North Island.
I look forward to my term as Youth Rep. If anyone would like to get in touch with me
about any issues within BB that you feel need to be raised, or just to find out what’s
going on, feel free to contact me through the website.
Ian Foster - Northern Region Representative
I am 45 years old and married to Adele. We have 3 children - Liam 12, Holly 9 & Jensen 6.
I lead a group of Iconz Adventure & Anchor boys in Papatoetoe, formally the 5th Auckland
Boys’ Brigade, with approx 30 boys, and an ICONZ Xtreme group in Papatoetoe with 16 boys
which was started the beginning of 2008. My involvement with Boys Brigade has been since
starting as a boy in the early 1970’s.
I run a charitable trust (South Auckland Christian Food Bank) in South Auckland, which
supplies food to various organizations, and is involved in other ministries as well.
My interests are Motor Racing, snow & water skiing and spending time with the family.
I attend Papatoetoe Community Church.
Joe Fecteau - Central Region Representative
Born, raised and still
living in Wellington, I have been involved in the 30th Wellington Company
since I was 8 years old. I have taken part in NLDC Stages 1 & 2, and received my Queen's
Award in 1991. Currently I am a Warrant Officer in my company, and have been since I
left the ranks as a boy. On the national scene, I have helped out with a number of
NLDCs as a Stage 1 group leader.
I am involved in the Presbyterian Church as a youth leader for my church, which I
have done since 1992. I am also very active in helping out with regional youth events
for Presbyterian and Methodist groups in the Wellington area.
I am currently employed in the electricity industry, working in a customer services
position for UnitedNetworks. Outside of church, Boys Brigade and work, I maintain an
interest in a wide range of activities and hobbies. In particular, I try to fit in
watching rugby and cricket (when New Zealand is winning); playing golf and cycling;
reading; music (both listening and playing) and watching movies.
Grant Hill - Upper South Region Representative
Hi, I'm a
second generation Boys Brigader with 1st Christchurch Company. I started BB
at age 8 and progressed through the sections, achieving Queens Badge. I became an
Officer and worked with both Company and Team Sections before moving up to Team Section.
I have been the LIC of Team Section for the past 14 years. I am currently also serving
on the Canterbury West Coast Battalion Management team.
I am 39 years old and have been married for 15 years to Amanda. We have three girls,
Tamara (7), Emma (5) and Amber (2). They are all strong Girls’ Brigaders! I am a
Registered Electrician and shareholder in family Electrical contracting business, also
a keen handyman, camper, fisher and ‘boatie’. The family and I are actively involved at
Beckenham Baptist Church, attending home group and we are members of the worship team.
David Gray - Lower South Region Representative
Profile coming soon.