Born into a wealthy family in Nelson in 1943, John Howson's life suddenly changed when his businessman father, a former champion boxer, went broke, taking his already evident alcoholic violence to a new level.

At 13, John first stepped in to protect his mother and sister. It didn't end well for him and so began a tense and volatile relationship with the man he can't bring himself to call Dad.

John eventually landed in Radio where he built a 50-year career. For eleven years (1975-1985) he was NZ's leading rugby commentator, covering All Blacks' overseas tours, as well as all incoming international team's matches, including the tumultuous 1981 Springbok's tour of NZ.

hen came 30 years in business ownership and management in the New Zealand radio industry, including his role in creating the Radio Sport Network in the late 1990's. In Howson & Son, John recounts the many challenges he faced with business and sports administration, and with variable radio technology around the world. John's story, told with self-deprecating humour, will grab your interest, whether you're a social historian, a rugby enthusiast or you just like a good yarn about the unusual challenges of a life well-lived.