Sir Paul Reeves was a good mate of mine. I first met Sir Paul when he was the Anglican bishop of Waiapu based in Napier. He was Mr Reeves back then. His youngest daughter Jane and I were at Carlyle Kindy together and then in the same class at Napier Central School for a few years.
I really got to know Sir Paul when working at AUT University as the Director of Strategic Development. Sir Paul was the Chancellor of the university and his office was beside mine. In fact, he had a major hand in me getting the job. I was outside the Vice Chancellor’s office waiting for my interview and Sir Paul walked past and said ‘Hello Stuart. What are you doing here’? I told him and when the Vice Chancellor came out Sir Paul started extolling my virtues (I had also caught up with him a couple of times when I was standing in Epsom in 2005). Needless to say I got the job.
He spent much time in his office and I was always popping in asking advice and chatting. He was a man of incredible wisdom, knowledge and insight. I learned much from simply listening. He was a mentor on many levels.
I remember once when I was working on AUT’s proposal to purchase the Carter Holt Harvey site to build a South Auckland campus. Our executive team was trying to get hold of Graeme Hart, whose Rank Group owned the site. This was proving close to impossible until we asked Sir Paul to try his luck. Within literally 5 minutes, Sir Paul was talking to Graeme. As it turned out the country’s richest man was a huge fan of Sir Pauls. We all were.
We kept in touch after I left to pursue political dreams. He did me the incredible honour of coming down to Napier and opening my electorate office. Amazing.
One of the last times I saw him was Christmas when a friend came into my office and wondered if it was at all possible for me to ask Sir Paul to sign a Maori dictionary for her high-achieving grandson. I phoned him up and of course he was very happy to do this. I called in and had a great chat. Sir Paul was happy to do anything for anyone despite the fact he had more letters after his name than than the Oxford dictionary (ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, CF, QSO) – and that doesn’t include his university degrees (two from Oxford).
He was such a humble gentleman. A true knight and a wonderful man. In fact, he really was a great Kiwi bloke.
Paul was from a humble background in Mansfield Street Newtown.
His Mum became a tram conductor and was one of the few women in that role at the time while his Dad was a tram driver. Both kindly lovely people.
Paul attended South Wellington School nearby and returned there on several occasions in various official capacities, to speak and encourage the children to strive, accept no boundaries and look to help those around them.
When he was Bishop of Auckland I had my Confirmation. He presided over it. I was not and am not religious, bu I recall his kindness, gentle nature, and the way he made a point of speaking to each and every one of us during and after.
Sir Paul also confirmed my two sons in Auckland in 1985, the day before he became Governor General. RIP Paul Reeves, you will be sadly missed.
Thanks Stu,
Thank you very much for sharing your memories of Sir Paul. It was through you that Sir Paul became a household name in our family. And it was through you, and through us both working at AUT together, that I came to know Sir Paul. The proximity of your offices meant I could join in the daily chats and get to know Sir Paul, not just as our leader but as a charming, wry, whimsical, wise and humble man. I have such gratitude for that experience.
So thank you, Stu, and thank you Sir Paul for sharing yourself with us both. We are very lucky.