Rendell McIntosh… “be kind and humble and pursue your goals”. Pictures: Bruce Morris
So how did you get to Mt Albert?
In August 2005 I applied for the job as manager of Alberton. I was successful in being appointed and the rest as they say is history. Since then I have travelled from Parnell to work at Alberton and have been very involved with a wide range of activities at the house and within Mt Albert.
The historic 1863 house really is a community of interest and attracts people from within the suburb and from around the country and overseas to enjoy exploring the venue or enjoying an event.
We started the Alberton Market Days, supported by Bayleys, last year and they have been a great success in enabling Mt Albert residents of all ages to come along to purchase produce or craft items and enjoy the entertainment, food and lovely garden setting. We had over 1800 at our November market, the highest number to ever visit the house for a one-day event since opening in 1973, which gives some indication how people from the suburb and Auckland have embraced and support the community gathering and sharing concept.
I was one of the original group that started the Mt Albert Historical Society and have got to meet many local people through that vital organisation.
Tell us about your childhood
I was fortunate to live on a farm near Ashburton and grow up with no boundaries on my dreams. Those dreams did come true – I went to Outward Bound, I climbed Mt Cook Aoraki, I became a New Zealand champion in the 400m hurdles and 800m and represented New Zealand at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, in the 400m hurdles setting a national record. Plus I have travelled overseas and have achieved many goals based on my mother’s “If you don’t try you won’t triumph” philosophy.
Your first job?
At the New Zealand Farmers Co-op in Ashburton in the stock and station department. I soon learnt that counting sheep wasn’t for me and transferred to the credit department in the Christchurch branch. Then, in 1974, I joined Air New Zealand.
Most uplifting moment of your life?
Two moments stand out – getting married to Jillian de Beer in 1988 at the Church of the Good Shephard at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque little church that both of us had always dreamed would be special to get married in. The other one was on top of Mt Cook Aoraki in 1987 to realise a life-time goal and to appreciate that mountain climbing wasn’t for me. I haven’t climbed another mountain since.
The saddest?
I have lost many special family members and friends through accidents and death over the years but the hardest challenge will always be having worked in the promotions department at Air New Zealand and involved in the marketing and inviting VIPs to travel on the airline when it crashed at Erebus with the loss of all on board.
Things you’ve learnt about life that you will take to your grave?
Be kind and humble and pursue your goals
What’s made you very proud?
I have always been proud of New Zealanders who have stood out from the crowd and achieved against the odds, whether in sport, arts or business. Because we are a small country and so isolated it gives us the freedom to try and do things differently. Team New Zealand’s success at the America’s Cup is a great example of what can be achieved with a committed bunch of talented people.
What makes you damned angry? I am fortunate to be very optimistic and accepting of people and can’t recall when I truly got angry. I might sometimes mutter under my breath about a bridezilla’s demands at a wedding at Alberton but, hey, it is her special day so I try to grin and help her make it a memorable one. Then she will come back with her children in a few years’ time to show them where she got married.
What could you not do without?
Well apart from a good wine and book, Sky Sports coverage or my hens, I could not have achieved as much without Jillian. She has been very supportive of any of my far-fetched goals. A good example was my gaining permission to have a marathon over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It took a lot of effort to convince the bureaucrats it could be done. The first race was in 1992 and has been held as a popular annual event ever since.
The thing you have always wanted to crack but haven’t yet managed?
I always want to crack three hours in a marathon but failed. I had trained for a 2hrs 45min result at the Marathon to Athens event in 1985 but got stitch and ran 3hrs.7min. I tried two other times but injuries forced me to decide that long distance running wasn’t for me.
Who are the people you most look up to?
I really admire anyone who has beaten the odds to achieve something which they were told wasn’t possible. That could be a person getting over a health ailment or an astronaut going into space and seeking new frontiers for mankind.
What personal frailty in others do you most detest?
I am pretty accommodating and find a good trait in most people. We all have bad days; it is just how you accept them and move on that counts.
What about yourself – do you have flaws you wish weren’t part of your make-up?
Jillian would be the best person to ask that question. My hens think I am pretty special and accept all my flaws.
Describe your perfect weekend
Going travelling and exploring the delights of this amazing country with its abundance of great art, wine and cuisine, scenery, places to explore and stay and hospitable people. As John Clarke aka Fred Dagg said, “We don’t know how lucky we are”.
And the dream holiday if money was no object?
There would be two places. The first would be to Greece and the Greek Islands. Jillian and I have always loved Greece. She worked there for many years, while I loved my brief holiday running trip there. The second would be around New Zealand taking in all the sights and tastes while staying at some of the world class venues.
What about that magic dinner party – who would share your table?
I have been fortunate to meet and dine with some top VIPs over the years, especially during my 16 years working at Air New Zealand or at major events I helped to organise. Often you anticipated that they would be great company over a meal. But in fact they weren’t – they were caught up in their work or concentrating on sport. I think just getting together some fun friends made from over the years would be much more enjoyable
What would be on the menu?
Whitebait entrée. Followed by salmon and salad. Fresh raspberries for dessert. Enjoyed with sauvignon blanc and pinot from Invivo
And the music in the background?
I love all sorts of music, so happy to go with the flow
What about books and writers – what/who will stay in your mind until your dying day?
I have enjoyed so many authors over the years. They range from the classic Dickens to Ernest Hemingway for well-constructed storylines
Your favourite movies?
We love supporting New Zealand-made productions. Peter Jackson is a great example of a New Zealander who pursued his dreams. He has helped make not only great movies but also spawn a movie industry sector in this country.
Watch much television? Favourite shows?
I love all types of sports and TV-watching becomes a part of it. Find me a sports channel and I will be there watching. I also love Gold Rush on the Documentary Channel. I make the time to watch programmes made at Alberton. They range from Jono and Ben, The Brokenwood Mysteries, documentaries on Edmund Hillary, Jean Batten and Kate Shephard, and even a Hells Pizza advert
What are your biggest concerns for the future?
We are not doing enough to protect our local and national environment for future generations. The pollution in Meola Stream is a disgrace. The original owner of Alberton named the stream after a huge glacier in India and it is very sad to now see the pollution run off impacting the water purity. Other parts of Auckland and the country are also being affected by neglect.
What do you particularly like about Mt Albert?
It still has a lovely community feeling. It has the largest collection of bungalows in the country and they should be protected and promoted. There are lovely little cafes like My Little Bakery that provide excellent cuisine and service. We need to get more specialist shops along the main shopping strip and create a destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Of course the main thing I love is Alberton. We are very fortunate it was saved from demolition in 1972 and is now cared for by Heritage New Zealand. It is a wonderful example of how a heritage building can be saved and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
If money was no object, what would you spend it on to make Mt Albert a better place?
The current upgrade of the Mt Albert shopping strip is a great start. More money needs to be allocated for upgrading and enhancing the existing heritage buildings and also building creative new spaces to ensure a sought after destination. Plus we need some money to build a high tea café at Alberton! Can you imagine how wonderful it would be if locals and visitors could spend some time enjoying a cuppa from our lovely old tea sets in a standalone café located on our boundary near Mt Albert Rd. How much can we have please?
