Simon Friar

Simon started his Secondary Education at Gisborne Boys’ High and did his final year at Matamata College after his parents purchased the Walton Store.

From school, where Simon doesn’t claim to have done anything “famous” he went on to graduate with a Diploma of Business Studies and various Police Qualifications.

His working history has been interesting and varied – starting with farming, then the Matamata Bakery, 21 years in the Police, 17 years as a salaried and consultancy Security Manager, and more recently has been part of the Waikato Regional Council for six years, three as Deputy Chairperson.

His travels have taken him to Australia, Pacific Islands, United States and England.

One very interesting assignment Simon has undertaken was an eighteen month fraud enquiry involving $14.2 million.

Currently Simon is working on his consultancy job and has a finger in the property development pie!

Simon married Judy Miles (Matamata College 1963-65).  Judy lived near Walton on Ngarua Road on her parents’ farm.  She was an energetic and talented netballer.  On leaving school Judy worked as an office administrator at Cleaver Motors.  After they married and moved to Hamilton, Judy worked at Fairview Motors and then Ebbett Motors.  Judy returned to work after their two sons, Stephen and Bradley, were born.  She has worked in the Post Office for 29 years, currently at Te Awa The Base at Te Rapa in Hamilton.

They had a foster daughter Luisa and she has a daughter. Simon and Judy have one grandchild.