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.
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.
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 Thompson - Youth Representative
Hey there! I'm Josh, the BB youth rep for this year!
I'm 18 years old, studying health sciences at Otago university. I joined BB as an
anchor boy when I was 6 at the 14th Dunedin company. When I was 8 I lived in England
and was a member of the 2nd Romsey company. I got my Queens Badge in 2006. I attended
NLDC Stage 1 (2006) and Stage 2 (2007). This year I've stayed on as a sergeant at my
company.
My family has a long association with the 14th Dunedin, my grandfather served as
captain for 22 years and my father has been captain for the last 15. My mother is one
of the leaders of the anchor boys and team section.
I also play hockey and futsal, and have attended the National Rotary Science and
Technology forum both as a student and an advisor and have recently been invited back
for a second year as an advisor. This year I also attended RYLA, a Rotary leadership
course and have subsequently joined Rotoract.
I look forward to my term as youth rep. If you young fullas wanna contact me for
issues that need to be raised or just to find out what’s going on, here is my e-mail:
David Young - Northern Region Representative
I have always had a passion for youth work having come to my faith through the Youth
for Christ programmes, returning as a leader for a few years. More recently I have
enjoyed an afterschool Kids club which my eldest son also went to.
When this ministry ended I took up an invitation to help others at my Church who were
running a Company Section. I was a helper for a year and was impressed with the concept
of BB. My son was 7 coming up to 8 so I restarted the Team Section. A year later I began
using the ICONZ programe and 1 year later became the Captain.
More recently I have run the ICONZ XTREME programe which my son and I really enjoyed.
I was invited to be a facilitator and then to be on executive as the Northern Representative. I am
getting married soon so am joyful that our God has provided others to continue the
running of the Warkworth unit. My goal is to serve the BB movement as God directs.
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 8 years.
I am 34 years old and have been married for over 10 years to Amanda. We have two
girls, Tamara almost 3 years old and Emma 1 year old. 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.
Murray Thompson - Lower South Region Representative
I am 42 years old married to Mal with one
son Josh. I have lived in Dunedin most of my life except for short stints in
Christchurch and Milton and one year in the U.K. I am a secondary school teacher and have
been all my working life.
I have only really been part of the 14th Dunedin although I did help the local
company when I was in Britain. I joined The Life Boys (Team Section) in 1969 and continued
right through to 1982 when I moved to Christchurch. I gained my Queens Badge in 1977. I
attended 2 International Camps one in Blenheim and one in Melbourne. I took over as Captain
in 1993 and have built the C.S from a membership of 6 to 22.
Apart from BB I am involved in Hockey as a player and a coach. I play the drum in a pipe
band. I am on Vestry at my church and I am part of a team working to establish a youth
group.