Ian Smallman has a deep connection to the water.

For over 26 years, Ian has worked at LPC, rising from a labourer in the straddle bay to Tug Master on the water, skilfully guiding large vessels in and out of the harbour.

But Ian’s love for the water extended beyond his work – he was also a New Zealand rowing champion.

Born in Gisborne, Ian was first introduced to rowing at Tauranga Boys’ College as a teenager.

He quickly became passionate about the sport and competed at the highest level, winning 18 national rowing titles and competing in five world championships in the fours and eights.

Ian’s only regret was not making the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, ousted by up-and-comer Eric Murray in the men’s coxless fours.

“Didn’t quite make it … that was my goal,” says Ian.

Despite his success on the world stage, rowing was an amateur sport in the late 90s. Ian’s rowing coach Ray Flanagan got him a job at LPC at age 22 where he worked in various positions, including as a relieving deckhand on the tugs Purau and Godley.

Eventually, Ian landed a job as a Pilot Boat Skipper, and for the last four years, he has been a full-time Tug Master.

The 48-year-old’s work as a Tug Master requires high skill and expertise, guiding large vessels in and out of the Port in tricky conditions.

“I love handling the vessel. It’s always fun, and it’s like playing with a big toy,” smiles Ian.

“There are pressure waves that come off ships, suction waves, and then there is the weather, the wharf, obstructions that you have to negotiate as well. It is always challenging,

Ian works closely together with Tug Engineer Dave Price on the tugs Piaka and Blackadder.

“Having Dave and another set of eyes is really good. You build up that trust, we are a team.”

Ian says he likes doing the smaller Russian trawlers and vessels in and out of the dry dock.

I enjoy doing the tricky ones – pushing a container vessel around is basic and straightforward. Still, it is that skill of manoeuvring the tug, not putting weight on the line or not touching the hull holding position that I enjoy,” he says.

After retiring from rowing competitions, Ian was asked to help guide the St Margaret’s College rowing teams and is head coach.

“I am always on the water, whether it is at work or driving a little dinghy with a 15 horse outboard giving words of encouragement to the teenage girls through the megaphone,” says Ian.

The private girls’ school even has a boat named after him – the Ian Smallman – in recognition of their world-class coach.

“It is the only eight in the shed that hasn’t won, which is frustrating,” he laughs.

Ian credits much of his sporting success to the support from LPC at the height of competing on the world stage.

“I worked in the workshop over six months and then went away and trained and competed for six months. The company was really good.”

Outside of work and rowing coaching, Ian enjoys cycling and spending time with his family. He has three children – seven-year-old twins Rosa and Charlie and 11-year-old Annabelle.

When asked if he owns his boat, he laughs out loud and says, “Hell no, it’s a money drain.”

Ian still loves the water, be it fresh or salty, 3 metre swells or like glass.

He is most proud of what he has accomplished and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way.