Rob Hamill is a New Zealand rowing champion and adventurer whose life has been defined by endurance, curiosity and an unshakeable determination to honour both ambition and family.
He first made his mark during a 16-year career representing New Zealand, winning World Rowing Championships silver, Commonwealth gold, and later rowing at the Atlanta Olympics.
In 1997 he and the late Phil Stubbs captured international attention by winning the inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race, completing the crossing in a record-setting 41 days. His book The Naked Rower told the story of that extraordinary feat, and he went on to help establish The Great Race, bringing the worlds elite university crews to compete on the Waikato River.
Rob’s life took a deeply personal turn when he travelled to Cambodia to retrace the final days of his brother Kerry, who was murdered by the Khmer Rouge. That journey became the award-winning documentary Brother Number One, chronicling Rob’s search for truth and justice.
In recent years he, his wife Rachel and their three sons have been sailing around the world aboard their catamaran, The Cruising Kiwis — a long-term voyage inspired in part by Kerry’s own unfulfilled dreams. Now well past the halfway point, the journey continues to shape Rob’s understanding of adventure, family and the power of choosing one’s attitude in the face of hardship.
Talking Points
Teamwork
Teamwork
Rowing
Rowing
Sport
Sport
Motivation
Motivation
Inspiration
Inspiration
Entertaining
Entertaining
After dinner
After dinner
Adventure
Adventure
Achievement
Achievement
Since Rob came to talk to our team, we have had ongoing positive comments stating how inspirational he was and how much everyone enjoyed his talk with us. The session was very well received, ... keep reading Southern Cross Hospitals
Your easy listening and humorous style provided us with great insight into the planning, preparation and successful execution of a truly ambitious goal. There is always a close correlation between successfully competing in a top-level sport and managing a successful business. The focus and commitment you guys showed in making the journey across the Atlantic applies equally to any business. Rob, thanks for a most enjoyable and informative presentation. I don't think you're going to get any takers from our crew for the next race. We will just settle for another presentation when you've completed it.
The content of Rob's experiences are remarkable and were presented in a light and often very humorous style. The speech will be enjoyed by the vast majority of audiences... he went out of his way to talk to many of the guests about his life and experiences, which was appreciated and well beyond the brief. I could recommend him highly as a great after dinner speaker.
I loved your presentation. It was from the heart and I really relate to that. It's a bit like watching a movie that is a based on a true story as compared to a Hollywood fake, the true story always gives me much more viewing pleasure.
Our management team were impressed with your story, and your presentation was much appreciated. I enjoyed the way you spoke both of your adventure and also life lessons, perspectives and values. Many thanks for your time and inspiring message.
Rob has a remarkable story, told in a clever and compelling way. He is able to engage deeply with his audience; he made us laugh, cry and most importantly think deeply, as leaders, about our role in the world. One of the best!
Rob is a fantastic speaker. He was humorous and kept the audience entertained and inspired. The feedback from our clients has been extremely positive. He is extremely down to earth and even stayed behind and mingled with our clients after the presentation which was a nice touch.
Rob delivered a truly brilliant and motivational presentation. His inspirational story created an electric start to our conference and the audience was held captive for the full 50 minutes - feedback was 100% positive. Rob worked to our brief, skilfully weaving in relevant messages about life and importantly made the audience feel good about being Coastguard volunteers, and that is gold!
