A LIFE LESS ORDINARY

Far from being the stereotype of a retired gent, John leads a busy life filled with family, friends and a firm focus on charitable work. He has a love and determination to experience all our world has to offer and, in equal measure, to give back to his community. There is never a moment of boredom.

On first blush, John appears quiet and reserved but his initial presence belies a comic sense of humour, a quick wit and a sense of adventure so large, it is seldom seen in the everyday man. 

A first generation kiwi, John's parents fled the deprivations of Holland caused by the terror of German occupation in WWII. His father was interned in forced labour camps and escaped, and was recaptured, not once but twice, before being liberated at the end of the war. His father immigrated to New Zealand to escape the memories of that horrific time and his dedicated fiancee soon followed.

beginnings

John was the first of five children, born in a land not scarred by fear or starvation, but instead, offering opportunity and hope for the immigrant family.

On his 16th birthday, John's Mum shouted him a trip to Wellington. Instead of going by humdrum ferry as was the norm in those days, she shelled out a fortune and took him by air. It was John's first flight and it proved to be an epiphany. As the plane took off, John knew, in that moment, that he was destined to fly.

After a few years of hard yakka working as a carpet maker and psychiatric nurse to self fund his flying lessons, John eventually joined Air New Zealand in 1979. After an enjoyable career that seemed to pass in a flash, he retired in 2018 from the position of Captain on the B777 fleet.

A family orientated man, John is the ever proud father to his two daughters (and their husbands) and three adorable granddaughters. He and his partner, Melissa, have been together for nearly 20 years and he is a loved father figure to her two daughters.

Values

Integrity, dignity, and self discipline are values he holds close to his heart and it is with these values uppermost, that John takes on the world and the people he encounters.

intrepid traveller

Over the years, John has taken every opportunity to roam the world and see many wondrous things. - from bush bashing in deepest, darkest, post-genocide Rwanda to spend precious time sitting with the rare Mountain Gorillas, to paddling on Antarctic beaches with curious penguins and seals, to sharing some nest time with the Blue Footed Boobies of the Galapagos Islands, to eyeballing bears and moose in remote parts of Alaska, to diving with sharks - namely the Great White, Tiger, Hammerhead and Bull. In total, John has visited more than 50 countries spanning all continents.

Closer to home, John has travelled the length and breadth of our country and has journeyed to New Zealand’s outer islands, such as Stewart Island (and it’s friendly and curious Kaka), The Chatham Islands (and their incredible fishing opportunities) and the Sub Antarctic Islands (more penguins!).

Although his travels have focused mainly around the natural world, he has still been touched by the lives of those not fortunate enough to live in New Zealand and as such, he has sponsored children all over the world. This sense of give back is embedded deeply in John and here in Christchurch, John has been a JP for more than 25 years, became a wedding celebrant and supports caring causes such as the Charity Hospital and Medical Research (see how your fees contribute towards charity).

In 2017, John and Melissa set up the Pauwels Flying Scholarship, available to only students at his alma mater, Hillmorton High School. In 2019, he added an additional Special Award that is offered to specially identified recipients from across Aotearoa. The awards have a value of $13,000 to help the recipient reach their dream of becoming an airline pilot. You can view his scholarship at www.pauwelsflyingscholarship.co.nz

In his spare time, John takes to the hills behind Christchurch for a hard out spell of mountain or road biking. Alternatively, he might be found running along the tracks of Victoria Park or pounding the paths around Hagley Park. Skiing and tramping round out his sporting interests but like most of his city peers, he finds enjoying a great cappuccino and reading a newspaper in one of Christchurch’s many great cafe’s is what makes the day a good day!

your celebrant

As John is now retired from fulltime flying he finds great pleasure in being of service to others and as a celebrant, it is his honour to be there for you on the day that counts. John looks forward to meeting you both and becoming a companion in your journey to completing your vows of commitment to each other.

Put such a precious day in the hands of someone who will take on this important task with the utmost good care and responsibility. Whether you want a reverent and traditional wedding or a joyful and fun-loving ceremony, John can provide what you seek. He looks forward to meeting with you soon to discuss your ideas and hopes.