Paddy is a proud Southlander who served in the New Zealand Police before becoming the World’s first professional rugby referee, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. Since then, his focus has been on training and supporting referees, firstly as World Rugby 15s Referee Manager and currently as the Sevens Referee Manager. 

He was awarded the ONZM in the 2005 New Year Honours for his services to Rugby Refereeing and in August 2023 was named as Patron for the Police Recruit Wing 370, who graduated from Police College. 

Married to Carolyn, they have four adult children and four grandchildren.

Born and educated in this wonderful province he has been a trustee on the ILT board since 2016 before being elected President in 2022.

Paddy has a particular interest in ensuring the elderly and sick who are the most vulnerable in our society are treated with respect compassion and dignity. He played a major part in fundraising for the $39 Million Hawthorndale Dementia Care Village which opened in Invercargill in May 2025. 

He looks forward to contributing back to the community after having been well supported by the people of the province and ILT for many years.