John Mowbray (Attended 1961–1966)
John Mowbray's World of Collectables
Published April 2026
I attended Scots from 1961–1966 – I recall the 50 Year Anniversary of Scots College for its somewhat disruptive influence on my education, when academically Scots College was at a low ebb, unrecognisable by today’s standards. This coincided with the introduction of the bursary exam with a guaranteed national pass rate of 50% in its first year. Eighteen pupils of Scots sat the exam, and one passed. One of my classmates was John Clarke, alias Fred Dagg, who ensured that life at Scots was anything but boring and had a huge influence in my final year, more than making up for my lack of scholastic achievement.
After leaving Scots, I went to Victoria University and ultimately got a BCA. Whilst at school, Deputy Headmaster J.P. Upham started a stamp club, leading me to focus on the trading side. I started a very small business trading in stamps and coins with collectors, and this grew whilst at university. Suffice to say that by the time I completed my degree, I had no need to look for a job as my business was easily supporting me. This was the start of what is now Mowbray Collectables, based in Ōtaki these past 50 years, with a staff of 18 and exports exceeding millions per year. I have never worked for anyone apart
from the company I formed, and sometimes my staff say it shows!
I have been most fortunate in this 60-year career, travelling worldwide to build the business. In the 1990s, I was on the Board of Stanley Gibbons in London for five years and travelled every six weeks for board meetings. By purchasing a “round the world” ticket with British Airways, I was able to fly Concord from London to New York, a fantastic supersonic
experience, which cannot be done today. During this period, I was elected President of the International Federation of Stamp Dealers, the first English-speaking dealer (rather than European). I have also served as Chairman of the NZ Auctioneers Association. Last year, I auctioned a stamp for a world record (for a NZ stamp) of $263,000, my greatest achievement!
In the year 2000, I expanded the business into buying art and the collectables auction business in NZ (Bethunes, Webbs) and Australia (Sothebys 25%, Stanley Gibbons Australia). Whilst our sales grew spectacularly, costs did as well and I found my low-cost business in Ōtaki was by far the best despite its remoteness. Eventually, we divested of all other businesses and concentrated on Ōtaki, where it continues to thrive and keep me busy.
My other interest is rugby, and through volunteering at my local Waikanae Club, I got involved enough to eventually be chairman of the Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Union for 15 years. I was also a director of the Hurricanes for four years, and on the Appointments and Remuneration committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union from time to time. Today, 40 years from when it all started, I remain a (active) patron of my local club.
It is 60 years since I left Scots College, and whilst not appreciating it at the time, Scots endowed me with independence, compassion, and a desire to achieve. I believe in the vastly changed world since then (no computers, photocopiers, faxes, or AI), these attributes remain with Scots students today, and they should be proud and confident of their future journeys, no matter where they land.
John Mowbray, Auctioneer 2023
New Zealand's First Stamp
Do you have a story to tell? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at collegians@scotscollege.school.nz.