BBNZ Employees

About BBNZ > Staff

Graham Creahan - National Director

I was born in Palmerston North - bought up on a dairy farm with two other brothers. We attended the Central Baptist Church where I was introduced to Boys' Brigade. With a lot of encouragement from the Captain (and no doubt the occasional moments of despair) I eventually achieved the Queens Award. I was the Life Boys' leader for several years. Most of My working life has been in insurance - manager for 12 years in Palmerston North and was appointed the founder CEO in Auckland of Ansvar Insurance (now EIG-Ansvar) where I served for 20 years.

I was director of Youth for Christ in Palmerston North, involved in all aspects of the church from Sunday School Superintendent to Deacon, Church Chairman and have been on many Boards and committees inside and outside the church. I was Rotarian for 35 years.

I am married with three grown up children and three grandsons. My main interests are family, reading, a bit of jogging, ventriloquism, and with God's help doing my bit in His scheme of things. I am proud to be serving in this incredible organisation involved in 'advancing Christ's Kingdom amongst boys' - I doubt if there is a more relevant, needy and exciting ministry around today.

Murray Donovan - Executive Officer

A born and bred Aucklander and walking with the Lord since 1959. Married to Marilyn , we have 2 married children, one of whom has 3 little treasures.

I joined Lifeboys as a 9 year old, and progressed through to become a Corporal in the Company Section of the 8th Auckland.

I have worked mostly in sales administration / stock control / warehousing positions related to electrical and electronic components and lighting products. Since 1976 I have been involved in the administration of my Church (Glenfield Baptist) as Deacon, Church Secretary, Church Treasurer. I am currently part of a volunteer chaplaincy team regularly visiting inmates in Auckland Prison.

Interests are gardening, grand-parenting, amateur photography.

Stu Thompson - ICONZ New Zealand Project Director

Stu has over 24 years experience in a wide range of children's ministries including holiday & after school care, camping, Bible in Schools & Sunday School teaching is well qualified for the job of writing programmes suited for boys. One of four brothers raised in a rural Manawatu family. Brought up in the Baptist Church, Stu has fellowshipped at New Life Churches in addition to St Peters in Tauranga.

Stu Graduated from Bethlehem Institute of Education in 2002 with a Diploma of Children's ministries, he is a Qualified Carpenter, he's worked in Sales & Marketing & in addition to his ICONZ New Zealand role, he works as a supervisor at a local primary school's after school & holiday care & recreation programme. He's a self-employed swim teacher & entertainer where he gets the laughs as Skyte the Clown (among other characters), for adults & children with gigs up & down the country. Stu & his wife Karen, married since 1984, have three sons & two daughters aged between 16 & their youngest born at the beginning of 2004 who, Stu says, brings much joy to the family.

Al Ronberg - North Island Development Manager

Hi there... I am Al Ronberg and I am the North Island Development Manager for Boys' Brigade and ICONZ. I have recently returned from the UK where I was involved in Chaplaincy and Youth Ministry Advisory with the Church of England in North East London.

I am married to Christine and we are about to have our first baby which is rather exciting (It's a Girl, so at this stage I know far more about the colour Pink than I ever thought possible). In New Zealand I have worked as a Youth Pastor with 2 large churches and look forward to bringing some of the experiences and knowledge from this to my new role. Outside of work I love to play Golf, Soccer, Cricket and a whole bunch of other sports. Christine and I have climbed Mt Kinabalu in Borneo and love to go tramping and hang out at the beach. I also like to sing and play my guitar and love entertaining people with a bit of music every now and then...

I am a very passionate person when it comes to reaching out to young people so I am VERY excited about what lies ahead of us here at the Boys' Brigade and ICONZ!!! I look forward to chatting to you soon!