Mr. JIM SPALL
Jim grew up on a family farm in the Manawatu, the eldest of five. He attended Whakarongo Primary School followed by Palmerston North Boy’s High. Higher education was at Massey University where he completed an honours degree in Agricultural Science. He then spent several years in Ashburton as a farm advisor before returning to Massey to lecture in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. While he completed an honours degree at masterate level in agricultural economics and marketing, the call of the land saw him leave academic life for farming, firstly in the Manawatu and then from 1992, Kereru in Hawkes Bay.
Jim is married to Christine, an Australian who he met in Calais on a Contiki trip. They have 4 sons ranging in age from 17 to 27. They recently celebrated 30 years of marriage and the wedding of their eldest son.
Jim has been involved in church activities all his life. He attended St Andrews Palmerston North and then St David’s Union Church in Ashburton before returning to St Andrews in Palmerston North and of course St Andrews in Hastings on coming to Hawkes Bay. Together with Christine he has a particular interest in christian education. They have both been Elders since 1984.
His interests include tramping, travelling, growing trees, and hearing people’s stories. Jim has an eclectic taste in music ranging from modern to classical. He loves the Beegees!