5 Minutes with Southern Man & Author Greg Allnutt

Greg Allnutt relaxing

Greg Allnutt is a good Southern Man who over a 20 plus year career as an Army Officer achieved a lot of things. His book "Keeping the Peace - A Kiwi's Modern Conflict Experience" is a great read about his time in the Army and overseas on a number of operational tours. I asked Greg to take some time and answer a few questions so you can get to know him a bit better;

When did you know you were destined to be a soldier? From an early age my parents would have described me as Army mad – for some unknown reason it always interested me and I loved going to the army displays at the A&P shows to see the weapons and ask a million questions, reading about and playing ’war’.

What are the 3 biggest things you learnt during your time in the Army?

1.     People are your biggest asset and they define your organisations culture and results – get rid of those that don’t fit and seek to get talent.

2.     If people are passionate, trying hard, taking risks and learning from their mistakes it is all you can ask – I value those traits.

3.     Don’t sweat the small stuff and appreciate what you have.

What is your favourite meal?  After many trips to Southeast Asia I love a good curry – especially roti chanai for breakfast in Singapore.

What is your favourite drink? A good strong coffee in the morning and a nice lager to finish a hard day’s work – currently liking the Japanese beer Asahi.

You are a Southern man through and through. What do you love the most about living in the South Island of NZ?  The proximity to the outdoors be it the mountains or the sea to appreciate nature and our great country.   I also like the small country town values we were bought up on around integrity, hard work, ingenuity to solve problems and having a bit of fun.

Greg's book cover.

Tell me something no one knows about you? I am a closet ‘greeny’ and love anthropology - so I love documentaries and reading on nature, the environment and the history of mankind, our cultures and our affect on the environment – yes I am a closet geek.  Oh I am also an atheist and struggle to bite my tongue.

If you could have dinner with 3 people who would they be and why?

a.     My wife’s dad (he is deceased) - so he could meet his grandchildren.

b.     Charles Darwin – he was a great mind of his time and I would love him to see where science has taken his theory – he could bring along Richard Dawkins and the conversation would be electric.

c.      Barak Obama – to a chat about his leadership challenges around the environment, gun control and the economy.

Favourite movie & why?  The girl with the dragon tattoo – just fresh, raw, intense drama.

Favourite author and why? Ken Follet is my favourite novelist – all of his stories are gripping dramas while the subject matters varies greatly.

What do you do to relax? I go for a surf and get a moment of zen just sitting waiting for a wave – I think I am an active relaxer – if its not surfing then its a mountain bike or run to get headspace.

You can read more about Greg's book in the blog I recently wrote entitled "Keeping the Peace: Someones Got to Do It (link here).

Enjoy this blog? Check out some other stories I have written about good Southern Legends listed below.

A Life Well Lived: Southern Legend Dan Gregan

Southern Legend: Doctor Stuart Philip of Brisbane

Southern Legend: International Tenor & Ashburton Lad Simon ONeill

Southern Legend of the North: Futch Couper

"Keeping the Peace" - Someones Got to Do It!

A foreword Greg wrote in my book that means a lot.

As you go through life people tend to come and go. Some mates stay a short time and others are a constant & stay forever. These long term friends know a lot about you (some would say too much so you better stay close) and have shared lifes journey. If you add to that shared experience through good times and bad then you form a close bond.

A life long friend of mine is Greg Allnutt. Our paths crossed intially during sport in primary school when country schools got together in South Canterbury sometime in 1980 or 81. It wasn't until third form and High School that we became good friends and throughout our high school years we were in the same class. We played rugby together and used to stay at each others place. He lived in the Waimate township and I came from a farm in the Hunter Hills. Good friends we were and we had a lot of fun. 

Greg was a keen outdoor lad. Fishing, hunting, camping, a great runner, a talented swimmer and a bit of a nut on the rugby field with blistering tackles. He had a great sense of humour, an angry side if pushed (and he often was) and was known to hold a grudge until such time as he could pay you back in full! He was good on his feet public speaking and did well academically. At the end of our sixth form year Greg went into the NZ Army as a Cadet. His trips home on leave and the stories he told influenced my decision to join the Army myself.

In January of 1987 I joined the Army and after year of intial training and study at University was sent for my Officer Training at the Officer Cadet School in Waiouru. Greg was also in this class as was another good school friend, Nathan Richardson. That year was a blur of leadership training, fitness, academic study and practical assessment in leadership roles in wet and cold situations that deprived us of sleep & food. We loved it (well looking  back on it). At the end of that year our paths seperated as we pursued our careers in different locations but continued to cross. I worked with Greg on promotion courses, sometimes as students together, once he was instructing, we shared a trip to Hong Kong and an operational tour in Angola (but not at the same time). We flatted together for a while, socialised together and had a similar circle of friends at various times. Over our many years as mates we have played sport together, been wet, cold and hungry, tired, partied, celebrated weddings, laughed,  & stayed in touch. Often it would be years between seeing each other.

So I wasn't surprised when he decided to write his book because he had a hell of a story to tell. I first knew of it when I got an e-mail out of the blue seeking permission to use my photo & name. I was also stoked to be one of the first few to get a copy to read. "Keeping the Peace - A Kiwi's Modern Conflict Experience" is a tale of Greg's operational postings into conflict zones with the New Zealand Army. It also tells of his life leading to enlistment and some of the events along the way. I really enjoyed reading it, not just because I knew much of his story and many of those featured in the book, but because I learnt quite a lot about him. His perceptions, insights into life overseas with the Army and his reflections made it a book I read in only several sessions. 

The thing I admire the most about Greg (besides his courage to write his story) is that he is a good genuine bloke. He is a straight shooter, he has a wickedly sharp wit and most of all we can get together and have a beer after over 30 years of friendship. 

Now thats a good Southern Man and an ANZAC who has done more than his bit for service of his country. New Zealand needs more Greg Allnutts......people who don't just talk about things, they actually go into harms way and do things to make the world a better place.

Onward Greg and thanks for everything you have taught me over the years and the example you have set.

Like this? Check these other ANZAC Stuff I have written;

ANZAC: The Ted d'Auvergne (Bottle of Beer) story. A Waimate legend of WW2.

The Blast ANZAC photo collections. A few Memories.

Johnny McNutt: A Good Southern Bloke: R.I.P.

Easter: Drive Fast & Take Risks

Time out int he South.

It is Easter already and a long weekend away from work. Easter is a time to be safe on the roads, to be with family and to recharge the batteries.

Personally I can't believe how fast the year has gone and I'm going to be making the most of life in the beautiful south. Some time hunting in the Hunter Hills, a family birthday to celebrate and just some down time to read, talk and watch movies.

Wishing you a safe and happy Easter where ever you may be!

Southern Man

Roaming the Hills of Canterbury: Some Adventure pics.

Soldiers wait their turn on the firing range, Feb 13

Sumner beach. Feb 13

Feb 13. Sumner prepares to greet the "Coast to Coasters".

South Canterbury high country. Feb 13

Alpine views. South Canterbury high country Feb 13

Hello Mr stag. I can see you! South Canterbury. Up high Feb 13.

Great water feature. Feb 13, Stravon, South Canterbury

Taking time to reflect. Feb 13.

Looking for deer. South Canterbury Feb 13.

Mt Somers way. Mid Canterbury Jan 13.

A bright summers night sky. Mt Somers, Jan 13.

Giving it full noise on shingle roads. Southern gold. 

Sunset in the Southern Alps. Jan 13

Southern gold!

The "Man cave" of a Southern Man. Jan 13

A night under the stars. Canterbury Jan 13.

Angus Pure on the hoof. Hunter Hills, Jan 13.

Alpine views, South Canterbury high country. Feb 13

A morning view to wake up to. Feb 13, Hunter Hills.

Southern Adventure: Exploring the South of New Zealand

Over the Christmas holiday I headed south to Fiordland and southland. A very relaxing few weeks in the south of New Zealand. Some of the best scenery in the world, some great weather and lots of adventure. This is the south of New Zealand at its best. Enjoy some of the photographs I took.

Sitting on a rock admiring the view. Southland, NZ

Looking out towards Fiordland, NZ right on dusk.

The Keplar track, Fiordland, NZ

South Canterbury on Christmas day. Home.

Angus Pure steak sizzles on the BBQ. Southern Gold!

Hanging the hat for the day. Red deer antlers.

Blowing the froth off a good Southern beer.

The Hollyford road, Fiordland, NZ.

Clyde, NZ.

The black Hole. A southern swimming hole 4m deep.

1000m high above Arrowtown, NZ. Lake Hayes & the Remarkables.

Pure NZ water. Fiordland, NZ

Pure gold. NZ river water.

The historical Danseys pub. Gold rush country.

What a spot. Fiordland, NZ

Lazy dog sleeping. What a life.

Fiordland mountains. 8th wonder of the world.

Mountain rivers flow off the mountains.

Milford Sound, NZ.

Milford Sound. World Heritage Park, NZ

Breath taking beauty.

Growing rivers after rain. Fiordland NZ.

A rock through the tyre. Hollyford road, Fiordland, NZ.

Lake Manapouri, NZ

Family farm, Te Anau, NZ. Looking towards Fiordland.

Clean the Chimney: Its Christmas 2012

The Christmas tree.

I'm not sure how you have found it but taking a few days off in the week before Christmas really allows you to relax a bit and get into the swing of the festive season. It has been a time of good friends, BBQ's, beers and last minute shopping.

The thing I am looking forward to the most is heading south to the farm for a family Christmas. Today we pack up the car and hit the road to South Canterbury and leave behind the city of Christchurch. This time of year for me is about family, friends and doing different things. A bit of hunting, swimming at the river, farm work, eating and of course time to read and watch some movies.

Wherever you are this Christmas I wish you a happy one. To those that are with the Army in harms way or working away from NZ, their families and friends I wish you a safe and relaxing festive season.

Thanks for reading the blog over the year, thanks for interacting and thanks for helping try to work out why I actually write the bloody thing.

Merry Christmas.

Southern man.

A Christmas Collection - 2012 & Life in the South of NZ

It has been a busy year of work and life in the South. Here is a sample of some of the pics taken over the last 12 months. Wishing all a happy and safe Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks for reading the blog and interacting. Enjoy some pics.

Sumner beach, Christchurch. A winters afternoon.

I just love this article. Bad guy who needs a slap gets one!

The Hill Block....South Canterbury. Hunter Hills.

A favourite spot. South Beach, Kaikoura, NZ.....dusk.

Army Reserve jungle training. Navigation check.

Harley riding. Mt Manganui, NZ

Lyttleton Farmers Market.

Captain Morgan visits. A fine drop!

Target shooting from 300 metres. NZ army.

Dusk, Redcliffs, Christchurch

The Estuary. Redcliffs, CHCH, Early morning.

Living the dream. Freedom on the open road.

Snow in Redcliffs Village.

A quiet rum. Nelson and Golden bay right on dusk.

An icon.....the turn off to Waimate, South Canterbury

South Otago. The beach between Hamden and Palmerston.

The bloody cat is an alien!

Farmers yarning!

The cat racked out mid winter in front of the fire.

Pet lambs for spring.

Army tucker. Feeding the troops, Dunedin.

Stanford University......learning new stuff.

The Hunter Hills provides some venison.

The out house on the farm. A quiet place to think!

Tahuna Beach, Nelson

Giving it some noise....Harley time.

The shearers quarters on the farm.

A quiet rum at home.

Christchurch humour. A Hotel is demolished.

Dawn ANZAC service, Christchurch. Because it is what we do & who we are!

Horse riding in the south.

Moving cattle on the farm.

Queenstown. Ben Loman Station.

Arrowtown, Autumn, 2012

Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki. The McKenzie country. Southern gold!

The Remarkables, Queenstown, Jan 12

Dawn, West Melton. A blistering early morning frost!

Full moon.

A New Years bonfire.

Arthurs Pass. The viaduct and the main road to the West Coast.

A southern icon. Cadrona pub, Wanaka. Jan 12

Otaio Gorge.....swimming on hot days.

Lest we forget. Otago, NZ

Calling it a day.

At home. A Southern Man!