Writer Profiles

Neven MacEwan

// Writer

NEVEN MACEWAN is a third generation New Zealander the third son of Ian Arthur and Ivy Heather MacEwan and Grandson of James Ballantyne and Mary Elizabeth MacEwan. J B MacEwan, was the founder of the firm of J B MacEwan & Co. Ltd, was born in Canada, where he gained his early experience in connection with the dairy industry. He came to New Zealand in the year 1894, under engagement to the New Zealand Department of Agriculture, as Dairy Commissioner; but retired from the office in one year and eight months later, and founded his business. Neven played rugby for Wellington from 1954 through to 1967 playing 132 times for the provincial team. Played for the All Blacks from 1956 to 1962 playing 55 times which included 20 Test matches. He played all his club rugby in Wellington for the Athletic Rugby Football Club. He learnt the skills of the game while at Nelson College. Neven’s work experiences include School Teacher, Shipping, Travel Agent, Public Relations Officer for Palmerston North, Executive Director for Prison Fellowship of New Zealand, Chaplain Manawatu Prison.

Website: www.nevenmacewan.co.nz
Photo: Neven MacEwan

When The Crowd Stops Roaring

WHEN THE CROWD STOPS ROARING: The inspirational memoir of an extraordinary All Black, with a forward by Keith Quinn. New Zealand rugby union player Neven MacEwan played 52 matches for the All Blacks from 1956 to 1962, including 20 internationals and two South African provincial matches as captain. In this frank and inspiring memoir, Neven talks about his early life, and his extraordinary success as a rugby player. A lock and number eight, Neven represented Wellington at a provincial level, before achieving the ultimate in New Zealand rugby—wearing the revered All Black jersey. His contemporaries included Tiny White, Don Clarke, Wilson Whineray, Kelvin Tremain, Colin Meads and Ian Clarke. But this is not just a memoir of rugby achievements; Neven talks frankly about the difficulties in his life ‘when the crowd stops roaring’ and the reality away from the rugby field. There are immense challenges, including being charged by New Zealand Police for theft, a suicide attempt, and his battle with alcoholism. But there is also hope, triumph and new beginnings in this candid memoir, with Neven going on to give back and help numerous others who have lost their way. All Black, school teacher, shipping travel agent, public relations officer, prison chaplain, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, When the Crowd Stops Roaring is an insightful biography of an extraordinary New Zealander, both on and off the rugby playing field. Published by Wild Side Publishing on 1 May 2019, RRP $34.99.

Website: www.nevenmacewan.co.nz
Writer: Neven MacEwan

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