Bob Lenihan - BSc, MSc

Bob is Auckland born and bred, attending St Peter's College prior to embarking upon a Science degree at The University of Auckland. His early interests were in sport - in addition to P-class yachting, he was a keen rugby player, and a member of the St Peter's 1st XV.

Bob's burgeoning interest in science eventually led to a second degree at the University - an MSc majoring in nuclear physics, which he received in 1966. But it was Bob's interest in logic that led to his first job out of University - a role at IBM that was to span 20 years and the areas of systems engineering, computer centre management and development tools. In the mid 80s he expanded on his considerable experience by moving into the world of investment finance systems, where he was Director of Information Systems at Ernst & Young.

Deer farming attracted Bob's attention in 1990, and he made a radical life change, owning and running a large deer farm near Lake Rotoiti. Although the physical work was tough, it was most enjoyable, and Bob was able to draw on his background in logic and systems by improving existing systems and introducing innovations.

Now retired and settled in the picturesque Bay of Plenty overlooking the ocean, Bob has turned his considerable energies to oil painting, messing about in boats and scrutinising regional planning and local development issues as chairman of a ratepayers group: roads, sewage systems and the like.

Although he didn't pursue his masters major, Bob feels that a great deal of the skills and knowledge he absorbed has been transferable and proved relevant in many areas. His son and daughter also chose to study at university level and have entered interesting careers in architecture and marketing.