The Listener retires
The sheer fun that happens is very special,” he said.
Highlander Ben Smith is one who has benefited from The Listener’s services and said, “Pete is a great man. He was always good to have a yarn to, especially about life after footy. He has plenty of ideas and was always a good sounding board and instrumental in helping us make plans.”
Pete, a former school teacher who taught in Southland at Grasmere, Rosedale Intermediate and Ohai Primary School has made a positive impact on many people throughout his career. He was a lecturer in the primary programme at the teachers college in Dunedin and worked part-time doing some mental skills work with Otago and Highlanders under coach Tony Gilbert.
Pete saw the role for the Personal Development Manager for Otago and the Highlanders advertised and applied for it. He was successful and his legacy as the voice of calm and reason was born. Throughout his tenure, Pete has seen significant change in the evolution of the preparedness of young players coming into the environment in regard to their off-field development. Younger players are becoming more aware that they need to get prepared for life after rugby and start putting plans in place while they have access to the resources of the Personal Development Programme.
“Once upon a time in the transition phase there was variable interest, now the players have an expectation,” says Pete.
Otago hooker Liam Coltman said, “Pete has been awesome, anything you want to give a whirl outside of rugby he has been there to help. We will miss him when he retires. He is an absolute legend.”
Having facilitated countless personal development sessions, Pete believes that a good session is one that appeals to the players on different levels. It has to have clear messages or advice to those requiring it right now but also have a carry-over effect for those that need it later in life, it also needs to be easily recalled.
When reflecting on his favourite sessions, Pete said one of his stand-out guest speakers was businessman and former television presenter Ian Taylor. Peter commented that Taylor was inspirational and gave the players permission to go for it. He talked about decisions he had made along the way and the value of an intuitive decision backed up with hard work.
Peter is rapt that the Personal Development Programme has got itself cemented as a significant part of players’ rugby life. “The interesting thing is, sooner or later, they come to it. There are those who are eager participants right from the start, those that try plenty of things but nothing jumps out but when retirement approaches they know what avenues they have available and where to get help. Players become highly engaged and motivated as their transitions approach,” Pete says.
“Every aspect of fulfilment has a positive impact so, from a confidence point of view, players who make the most of the programme tend to approach most of their aspects with confidence.”
Someone who knows Pete well is Southland Personal Development Manager. Jason McKenzie. Peter interviewed him for his role with Southland and Jason recalls his mentor saying: “Listen son this is a very tough job, it is the understanding of how people work.”
Jason knew he always had support with Pete. “When things got tough he gave you that age-old, solid advice. He was a guide on the way and always said: ‘You will be okay you’re a good bugger.’”
Peter will look back on his time fondly with his standout moments through his time in the region including winning the NPC in 1998 and winning the Super Rugby Championship with the Highlanders in 2015. Off field he claims his highlight is the satisfaction of players’ success and enjoying their off-field work experience and achievements.
“The players do the hard work but it is nice to be able to sit back and smile when you see a player happy in what he has done. It is satisfying to be able to play a small part in their achievements but I like it most of all when players become self-directive – that is the ultimate.”
Thanks Pete, The Listener, The Godfather and all round good bugger. Your commitment to empowering people, your wisdom and desire to help others achieve has been phenomenal and greatly appreciated. Enjoy retirement and getting through those big lists of jobs at home!