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Streat Control Co-Owner, Brian Bennett, was Managing Director from August 2002 to September 2014. Brian was, quite rightly, often described as charming. Brian's calm, gentle nature broke down barriers and his humour made him fun and very easy to be around. Brian's ability to smile and make the most of whatever a situation was exceptional. A competent and exacting engineer, a good heart, a good friend and a pleasure to work with, Brian is remembered for his many wonderful qualities.
Brian was born in Belstead just out of Ipswich in Suffolk, England. Brian's first job was at Fisons Fertilisers in Ipswich where he undertook an electrical apprenticeship, becoming one of the youngest in the UK to qualify. In 1969 Brian moved to British Fermentation Products and thus began what was to become a 45-year career in Instrumentation. When the factory re-located to Felixstowe Brian moved too, soon advancing to Shift Supervisor. In 1970 Brian moved to NZ. Landing in Wellington, he promptly drove directly to Auckland, his home base for the rest of his life. Brian loved NZ, and Auckland especially, enjoying the warmer-than-UK clime and easy-going, informal lifestyle. A keen boatie, fisherman and golfer, Brian was surely right at home here.
Brian's first job in NZ was with Electrical Contractor Turnball & Jones. Following this he lectured in Electrical Engineering at Manukau Technical Institute - in the good old days of apprenticeships. While teaching was a field Brian much enjoyed and was passionate about, he returned to industry, joining W.Arthur Fisher where he progressed seamlessly to General Manager. Brian's Instrumentation career progressed with General Managing roles with ECL and then Paklog, a company Brian set up in NZ (with, later, also a branch in Fiji) for owner Rolls Royce Industrial Power. 'Retirement' in 2000 proved short-lived when Brian was offered the Auckland/North Island Territory role with Streat Control, a privately-owned company and part of the Streat Group of companies built by founder Garth Streat. Garth had signalled his intended retirement and Streat Control was the last of his Group to be sold. The reins were duly passed by Garth to Brian & Co-owner Anne in August 2002. In the following years under Brian's management, with a sound structure and systems, strong partnerships and an experienced, hardworking, determined and loyal team, Streat Control built and maintained a sound position in the Instrumentation Industry. Streat Control remains a privately-owned family business with established partnerships with key Manufacturers around the world, working with customers from all industries throughout New Zealand.
A Saturday in Paris during the late Brian Bennett's
2004 visit to our International Principals
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An Engineer riveted, appreciating one of the world's
greatest engineering feats
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All that Garth achieved in his life has our deepest admiration and respect. He's truly a man many owe great thanks to, including ourselves.
Garth will always be fondly remembered and much missed.
Garth's Farewell Service was a wonderful tribute to a good, fine man. Our heartfelt condolences go to Gloria and all Garth & Gloria's family.
Streat Control was established and owes its great foundations to the gentleman it is named after, Garth Streat. Now owned by Anne Capon & Mahmood Ghadiri, the small family owned company was, prior to 2002, part of the successful, diverse and well known Streat Group of Companies.
Garth's first enterprise began in 1964 when as a young man he was invited to take over a small, old electrical contracting business consisting of 3 elderly electricians who cycled around Christchurch from one job to the next. Garth's first vehicle was a 'Rabbit' moped which transported Garth, along with his basic toolbox on the back carrier, around the city. The journey from those early days through to the very enterprising and successful 'Streat Group' is as interesting and inspiring a story as Garth's life itself.
Garth and Gloria far from retired on the sale of the Streat Group of Companies. Active in other commercial projects and as busy as ever spending time with family, enjoying their passion for opera, reading and travel (and skiing and cycling too, for Garth) as well as community works, they truly made the most of life and every moment together, proving great models to follow.
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