New Hall of Fame Inductees

HBHS is extremely proud to have inducted three new members to its Hall of Fame.  These Old Boys have enjoyed significant achievements and made important contributions on both the local and international stages.

Graham Searle

HHS 1949 - 1953

Graduating from Hamilton High School in 1953, with University Entrance and a Higher School Certificate with a Distinction in Accountancy, Graham worked as an Audit and Accountancy Clerk for Beattie Smart and Co in Hamilton, whilst taking evening classes at the Technical College.  His obvious business aptitude meant that he was quickly recognised, and promoted to Audit Senior managing large audits.  Graham’s career has taken him all over the world, to London and Malaysia, managing corporate giants such as the Rothman’s operation in Malaysia and Singapore, and the Dunhill Holdings PLC in the UK. He has restructured organisations such as Monsoon PLC and Laura Ashley PLC, turning them into profitable market leaders. Graham’s trademark, is creative business vision and his ability to inject a new dynamic into large corporate organisations, always leaving them in a far better fiscal and structural condition than when he started.

Michael Salmon

HBHS 1965-66

Michael graduated from Hamilton Boys’ High School in 1966 accredited with University Entrance, and having earned himself the Whole School Art Award, demonstrating his promise as an artist. Beginning with ‘The Tintookies’ marionette troupe as an apprentice Stage Manager, Michael’s talent was quickly recognised, and he served as their Artistic Director for another eight years.  As a childrens’ author, his first book, which was self published became instantly popular and ‘Alexander Bunyip’ became a household name as ‘The Monster Who Ate Canberra’ and later as a television programme which aired for a decade.  Michael has published 162 books, and as a childrens’ entertainer, has visited over five thousand schools in Australia, promoting a love of books to more than one and a quarter million children over a forty year period.  His character, ‘Buddy Bear’ from the anti-bullying campaign ‘The Better Buddy Framework’, has helped children internationally, to cope with new school environments.  Michael Salmon has dedicated his life and his career to the well-being of children, motivating them and encouraging their creativity and capacity for self expression.

Ronald Wiberg

HHS 1953-1955

Ron spent one year at the Hamilton High School site on Ward Street, before moving to Hamilton Boys’ High School, when it opened on Peachgrove Road. He was a Prefect, a First XV Rugby Team member, and a Unit Commander for the School Cadet Corps. Leaving school in 1955, Ron began Accountancy training at Wintec and became a Chartered Accountant.  Whilst Ron has had business success, being granted a Fellowship by the NZ Society of Accountants, he has also been tireless in his support of local charities. His involvement with the Crippled Childrens’ Society has spanned 40 years, alongside his continued service to the Waikato Rugby Union, of which he was Chairman. He has given service to Hamilton Old Boys’ Rugby, as Secretary and President, and acted as Treasurer for Waikato Opera. He has been Treasurer of our school’s Old Boys’ Association and was Chairman of the Centennial Committee in 2010/2011. As current President of our Old Boys Association, his support of HBHS has been much valued. The school is tremendously grateful for his service and for his commitment to the continued success of Hamilton Boys’ High School and the wider school community.