Great leaders step up in challenging times and Rob did this in 2011 when Christchurch was hit by an earthquake. Most recently, he was Acting General Manager on the 15th of March when Christchurch suffered a terrorist attack on its Muslim community.

For a significant period of time on that day when the city was in lockdown no one knew what was happening. Rob showed outstanding leadership and focused on ensuring that our staff who were working at the time in the laboratory and in particular at the collection centre adjacent to the Linwood Avenue mosque, were safe and protected. Making strong decisive decisions, his calm manner and confidence was inspiring to witness. Rob ensured that our laboratory continued to function. A number of the senior managers were not at work on that day, so not only did Rob have his own department to look after but also direct oversight of two other departments. His poise, calm demeanour and ability to rally the troops at a challenging time was testament to his STAR qualities.

Rob undertook these duties even while there was concern about his own family. His wife was in lock down within the inner police cordon and his children in lockdown in their local school. Despite this, Rob worked to ensure the safety and welfare of our staff came first. Rob again stepped into a senior leadership role (General Manager) earlier this year when the previous manager relocated. During this time Rob impressed all around him with his creative thinking, tireless work ethic and fairness.