Allan Hopson
Allan was a great all-rounder. He was a high achiever in the classroom and a whizz in the sporting arena. Hopsons’ all had a flair for games – twin sisters Diane and Karen were in the era of Matamata College Netball dominating in the Waikato and the North Island Champs. It was with great sadness that Diane lost her life in a tragic accident. Allan’s parents were very prominent in the dairy farm and horse industries in Matamata. Not only were they busy with their interests they were always on the sidelines supporting their kids and later their grandkids with their sports.
Allan achieved SC, HSC and a B Bursary at school before heading off to Hamilton, where he started his career with ANZ Bank in 1978. While living and working in Wellington, he attended Victoria University (Wellington) where he graduated with a Diploma of Business Administration and later while living in Melbourne, Allan attended Monash-Mt Eliza Business School and obtained his Master in Business Administration from Monash University.
Allan worked in ANZ Bank (New Zealand and Australia) from 1978 to 2006 and in AMP New Zealand from 2006 to 2009. From 2010 Allan has been a self-employed business consultant working mainly out of Melbourne although his residence is still in Auckland.
73/74 Allan played in the 1st XV (first five). He was a member of the George Simpkin coached rugby team that travelled to Wales in 1974. All those boys have a great camaraderie and many are still in touch today. Allan played club rugby for Waikato University (75), Frankton (76 – 81 {captain 79 – 81}) and Bell Block in the Taranaki Union 82-83. He represented Waikato in rugby at Under 23, “B” and Senior levels and also represented Taranaki at “B” level.
Since retiring from rugby, Allan has kept active through gym, tennis and golf.
Allan has had many business trips but only one official OE – which he and his wife Gillian have just returned from recently. Allan and Gillian have two daughters (Tanya and Renee), and they have three grandchildren (Breanna, Kiara and Keenan).