BBNZ Employees
Graham Creahan - National Director
I was born in Palmerston North - brought 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!
Merv Bassett - South Island Development Manager
I was born in Mosgiel the fourth child of six. We were not a church going family and
consequently I was very ignorant of things Christian in my childhood yet never
questioned that there was a God. Then came the teenage years and street evangelists
and I soon found myself siding against the idea of God out of ignorance and peer
pressure. I was not knowingly searching for God but as I look back I can clearly see
significant moments that eventually led me to the altar and confessing Christ as Lord
at the age of twenty. This was a significant encounter and I knew and know I met with
the Almighty.
Almost from the moment of conversion I knew I was destined for Christian ministry. In
the last twenty nine years I have had the great honour of leading many friends and
strangers to Christ. I have led worship in several churches, been a life group leader,
an Associate Pastor, a Senior Pastor of two great churches one of which we started from
scratch - what a great adventure this has been. I likewise see my role as South Island
Development Manager for Boys Brigade and ICONZ as a great adventure. The idea of taking
young kiwi boys and turning them into great kiwi ICONZ, upright men with Christ-like
character gives me goose bumps. It is “a most excellent adventure” to quote the old
movie. Two things I particularly enjoy are public speaking and equipping people to reach
their potential in life. There is nothing more satisfying than to see, with a little
coaching, people discover that they are capable of far beyond what they ever imagined.
Together my wife Ann and I have raised three fine sons and a daughter, we are very
proud of them all. We have four grandchildren (so far) - three girls and a boy - and
they are a great reward for parenting. I love walks on the beach with Ann, laughing and
playing with the grandchildren, listening to great music, and I love to travel.
I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of advancing the cause of Christ’s
kingdom amongst boys and look forward to meeting you somewhere on this adventure.