BBNZ Executive
About Boys' Brigade New Zealand » BBNZ 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.
Daryl Looms - Youth Representative
Hi, I’m Daryl, I am from 1st Blenheim, the biggest BB company in New Zealand. I started in BB half way through Team section because my friend invited me to come along. That night we went to the Woodbourne airbase and had fish & chips for tea and I have been going ever since. I was the first person from Blenheim for a very long time to get the Queen’s Badge and am very proud of it.
I am only a Christian because of Boys Brigade, without it I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I’m now a Warrant Officer, involved in the Anchor Boys and Company sections. I don’t think I will ever be able to give back the amount I got from Boys Brigade but am going to give it my best effort.
I have a facebook page, search my name and feel free to add me or ask any questions.
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
I joined the Life Boys at age 8 and progressed through to Company Section with the 11th Southland Company, becoming a Sergeant and achieving my Queens Badge. I then spent a year as a helper with that Company before heading off to Otago University. On returning 5 years later I was appointed as an officer, and the following year (1981) as Captain of the 11th Southland Company. After serving there as Captain for about 8 years I transferred to the 3rd Southland Company (other end of town) where I joined as a Lieutenant, then LIC of the Team Section and then Captain, the position I still hold. I have been an active member of the Southland Battalion being Treasurer for far too many years and was Battalion President for a 3 year term. My passions in life are Boys Brigade, the outdoors, fishing, whitebaiting, soccer (player and coach) and tramping with our Boys Brigade Company. I am a self employed accountant with a home based practice that allows me time to devote to Boys Brigade and other pursuits. I am 53 years young, married to Dianne with 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. One of my sons achieved his Queen's Badge with Boys Brigade and both my daughters have achieved their Queen's Award through Girls Brigade, it's part of our family. My calling for Christian Service is Boys Brigade and has been all my life.