Magazine - 21 Questions with Karl Johnson

By Rob Jenkins in 21 Questions on 28th Oct 2009 6:00

Pitchcare Oceania takes 5 minutes out of Karl Johnson's day with our 21 questions. Karl is responsible for the two world class stadiums in Hamilton, New Zealand. Seddon Park is a purpose-built international quality cricket facility with a village green setting and picnic like atmosphere in the heart of Hamilton City. Next door, Waikato Stadium is one of New Zealand's main rectangular stadiums with a capacity that can be extended to over 30,000.

Karl is accustomed to hosting the All Blacks and Black Caps, but how did he go with our tricky questions!
 

Name: Karl Johnson
Place of work & Position: Turf Manager Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park

Family: Married to wife Rachel, got married this year
Favourite Food: Scallops
Favourite Movie: Dirty Dancing
Favourite Band: Big U2 fan

Teams Barrack For: Crusaders (Canterbury Rugby Union Football Club) in Union.
Favourite Sport: Cricket
Hobbies: Volunteer firefighter and ride motocross bike, and my music.

Drinker and Favourite Drink: Yes, was Heineken but now love the Steinlager Pures.

Places Travelled: Australia, and also bit of work in India.

Favourite Machine: Our JD 220 for mowing wicket boxes they put down some good stripes, and give a nice presentation.
What Would make Your Job Easier: Better weather here, particularly with the cricket.

Best Turf Company in the Industry: Prebbles Seeds 
Industry's Most Annoying Rep: Craig Brown from Prebble Seeds.

Industry's Biggest Cowboy: Contractors maybe, some of the guys out there cutting peoples lawns are pretty rough.
Who's Your Turf God: Mark Peram at Eden Park in New Zealand, and world wide Les Burdett at Adelaide Oval.
What's Been Your Biggest Cock-up: Had a few which have been pretty public. A South Africa New Zealand test match that we had, a crater appeared on our wicket and it almost forced Clive Lloyd, the match referee, to call off the match.

Funniest Moment You've Had in the Workplace: Our last team piss up, Some of the antics that went on at my house. Such as one of the boys had wax poured all over him and his zip popped, pretty funny at the time with a few beers.
What's Your Motto: Its' BTB 'Better than Before'

Who Would You Turn Gay For: Tom Tamati who is the Head Groundsman at University Oval.



Well done on a great 21 questions Karl, you're also lucky we don't have a picture of Tom at University, and unless someone sends one across you will be spared our famous love heart picture!

Update: Thanks to Anonymous, a picture of Tom has turned up on my desk! Almost got away with it KJ.

Read more articles in 21 Questions, by Rob Jenkins or from October 2009.