Martin Shand - President 2006 - 2007

Martin, John Shand was born on the 6th of January 1941. Life started in a cottage in Redcliffe Christchurch, and the family moved to Burwood, Christchurch in 1943.

In 1946 he started school at Burwood School, and in 1948 his family moved to Hammer Springs and he carried on schooling there. In 1950 the family again moved, this time to South Brighton where he finished his  primary schooling and moved on to Christchurch Technical College in 1954. Martin finished in the 6th  form with university entrance, and in 1958 he went into the Police as a cadet for the 18 month training course.

After 15 months he left the Police training and went back to Christchurch to do an adult apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, as he had done a lot of the practical and theory work at Christchurch Tech. He started in the third year of a five year course but after two years, his father asked that he go up and help on the family farm and finish his apprenticeship by correspondence. He did not finish the course, and instead went to Massey College to get a diploma in sheep and beef farming which stood him in good stead for his life in farming. In 1965 he took over half the farm.

Martin married Wendy Thomas in 1973 and because she had multiple sclerosis they had no children. She died in 1987. Because they had no children, he was able to be involved in community activities and was elected president of the Hopai Sports Committee until they left the Sounds.

Whilst in the Sounds , Martin attended Federated Farmers meetings and was elected the meeting Secretary. After several years, he was elected as president of the branch and attended meetings in Blenheim as the local representative. One year he was the Marlborough, President of Federated Farmers.

In 1989 Martin married Sylvia and in 2001 they sold the farm and came to Nelson.

Martin Joined the Stoke-Tahunanui Men's Club in August 2001 He served as President in

2006 and has been actively involved in a variety of the Club's activities. Country Driving and Cycling were particular interests which he shared with fellow members.