Gary Monk has been part of the North Harbour Club story for most of the club’s three decades. His first memory of involvement was being invited to what he believes was the inaugural lunch in North Harbour Stadium by club founder Ross Finlayson. Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange was the guest speaker.
That was the start of a lengthy association that Gary is immensely proud of. Gary was made a life member of the club in 2014 recognising his massive contribution. He became patron in July 2024.
Reflecting on his involvement Gary says it was initially to support the efforts of influential founder Ross Finlayson. He says Ross twisted his arm to be involved and contribute, however it wasn’t too long before Gary was totally sold on the club’s purpose.
Gary served as an AIMES Awards judge when Prof. Ian Watson was Chair. Fellow judges included Peter Wall, Faye Mason and Mike Antoniadas. Gary says being a judge hooked him into the club, seeing the amazing talent, not just of youngsters, but also their parents and extended family who all helped out to give them the best chance to succeed. Gary served as a trustee from 1999 to 2012, going on to play a crucial role leadership role following Ross Finlayson’s passing in 2009.
Gary Monk was born and bred in Gisborne. He first came to Auckland in 1970, undertaking a law degree at Auckland University before taking a job in the seafood industry. He went on to establish his own business, Intersea, in 1983, which has traded seafood all over the world for over 40 years.
Gary is recognised as being a pioneer and leader in the New Zealand seafood industry. During the 1980s he was involved in creating the innovative ‘Magic Mussel’ initiative that was the forerunner to live shellfish being sold in supermarkets and retail outlets across New Zealand. He also helped to grow markets for fresh chilled New Zealand seafood and live shellfish in North America. Intersea was also one of the pioneers for selling New Zealand frozen fish to China. This continues today, Intersea is still working with the same China-based business partner 32 years on.
Gary has had a distinguished business career. As well as running Intersea, he has been involved as a director and in governance roles with many other entities. This has included being a director Radio New Zealand, regional chair of BNZ Partners Auckland North, and chair of Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (Pasifika TV). He has also chaired Mathias International, New Zealand Light Leathers, and the Balance Clearview Primary Growth Partnership. He currently chairs Bluff Limited and NZ Abalone, Premium Marine Technology and is an independent director of Mindhive. Gary has been a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors since 2009.
It was meeting Lesley, his wife of over 48 years, that brought Gary to the North Shore to live over 40 years ago. Gary and Lesley have two daughters and four grandchildren.
The North Shore has benefitted greatly from having Gary Monk as part of the community. As well as playing a leading role in the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust he is a founding Trustee St Patrick’s Day Golf Charitable Trust (1989 – present), served as chair of the YES Disability Resource Centre (2013 – 2018), and was chair of Shore Junction Youth Innovation Hub (2013 – 2018).
Gary was inducted as a laureate into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also recognised by North Shore City Council with a Civic Award for service to the Community in 2010 and by Rotary with a Paul Harris Fellow in 2014. He was appointed Justice of the Peace 1998.
In 2015, Gary received an ONZM in the New Year Honours, for services to the seafood industry and the community.
Gary and Lesley Monk live in Takapuna and love spending time at their Omaha Beach property with their family. Gary’s passion’s include watching his grandchildren thrive in everything they do, following rugby and sport in general, music and fishing.
