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Darryl Furness

I did my military service in the State President’s Guard in 1969. From 1970 to 1977 I worked for a firm of chartered accountants and auditors in Bloemfontein.

I was involved in the music scene in Bloemfontein, playing guitar and doing vocals for a band called Apple, then for a band called Take 5, then doing solo work at a local coffee bar. I recorded a couple of covers and also a couple of my own compositions for Youth for Christ.

In 1977 I went into the Methodist ministry, and between 1977 and 1990 I served in a number of churches around the country. I obtained a Master of Theology from Rhodes University, and towards the end of my time in the ministry I lectured in theology and biblical studies.

In 1990 I went into the IT industry and worked for the South African Board of Jewish Education in Johannesburg, who ran a number of Jewish private schools in the Johannesburg and East Rand area. During this time, I qualified as a Certified Network Engineer.

In 1997 I emigrated to New Zealand with my family. I have held various positions in the IT industry and retired in June this year.

I married Andrea in Bloemfontein in 1976. We have three children. Two are in New Zealand, and one in Vancouver. We have one grandchild in Vancouver.

I have a passion for wine and am a member of various local wine clubs. Andrea and I enjoy travelling and have visited wine regions in New Zealand, Napa, Sonoma, and Okanagan.