Born in Waianiwa in central Southland, Richard is currently Head of Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Chief Medical Officer for the Otago District Health Board. He is also on the Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery for Australasia and has just finished 9 years as an examiner for Australasia – ensuring that young surgeons are appropriately trained prior to them becoming consultants.
Richard attended Southland Boys' High School, where he was Head Prefect in his last year. He moved to Dunedin in 1971 to attend Medical School. Richard played rugby for a number of years - Senior for Green Island 1973 – 1982 and Otago 1974 – 75 – 76. He graduated in 1976 MBCHB, began training in Cardiothoracic surgery in 1978 and gained the FRACS in 1983.
Richard has done postgraduate training in Boston – working at Harvard and then onto Southampton in England working with Sir Keith Ross. Returning to New Zealand in 1986, he became a consultant in Cardiothoracic surgery.
Richard had always had an interest in wine. One of his uncles – who had travelled extensively – always had wine on the table at meal time. At University, Richard’s interest in wine expanded through flatting with fellow students who also had an interest in wine. In the mid-1990’s, he began to develop the company that is today known as Rockburn.
Richard is married to Lynley and they have three daughters – Amanda (born 1977), Emma (1979) and Victoria (1982).