I met Hayden at a manic time in my life where I could only describe myself being "off the rails". As others judged, he supported me unconditionally. He was a true friend to me when I really needed one, and he encouraged me to be a better version of myself. For someone to see the "real you" so quickly, was a real gift. We had some HUGE nights, always so much fun and laughter. God he was funny. And SMART. I know Cath was his everything, and while it's been so long since we caught up, I will always remember you with a smile. RIP you crazy, beautiful man. My thoughts are with your wife and children.

Finding out the news you are no longer with us has really hit me like a ton of bricks and its hard to know what to say to sum up the amazing man that you were.  When we met 22 years ago, we had an instant connection.  Your cheeky laugh, ability to be a great educator but also infuse every meeting we had with fun, and on occasion a stupid face or silly costume (if it wasn't the usual black tee of course) was so refreshing.  From the nights where we bumped into each other at Gardies or The Cook, or sought each other out at The Bowler, we always seemed to have a right laugh.  When you left Dunedin and I still had a few years left to go, I was sad that we might never see each other again - another university connection that I might lose touch with. 

But over the years, of all those university connections, something about you meant I kept an eye on your career.   You had such good energy I really hoped our paths might cross again.  When you reached out to me and said exactly the same thing, I was so happy to reconnect, despite living the other side of the world.  We launched straight into "marketing geekery" as you liked to call it, you challenging me with a "brief" to parry new product ideas at each other (I'm still waiting on the royalties you promised...)  This quickly morphed into asking each others advice on various work challenges (I think I definitely got the better end of that bargain as your assessments were always the most insightful).  You always cared about me and what I was doing and we both looked forward to meeting up in person again when we would next be in the same country.  Since then, I've only been able to return to NZ a few times given recent restrictions, but whenever we met, we could simply talk for hours - before we knew it the night would have gone we'd have been talking so much.  You often talked about Cath, your times in London and travelling together, and the beautiful kids you had.  I had hoped that one day we might all meet and I am so sad to think that day will now, never come.

Hayds, despite not seeing each other nearly enough, you have left a proper hole in many peoples lives - mine included - as is evidenced by the amazing tributes and stories from almost everyone you seem to have met and made an impact on.  The world is a little darker without you in it and I will miss you and your wit immensely.  I will never be able to listen to K&D without thinking of you, nor sit at a set of drums without a tear in my eye.  We had so many more conversations still to have and I was looking forward to the day when we might actually work together officially - debates and all - it pains me to be wrong on this front.  You were always there to give me words of encouragement or advice whenever I needed it.  I can't thank you enough for every single word you said to me- it has helped shape me into the marketer, and the person, I am today. 

Rest easy my friend, your little "genius", Jo xxx

I had the pleasure of working with Hayden back in the mid naughties at Britvic in the UK. Actually the first time i met Hayden was at Stansted airport when we were travelling to Rome for a team meeting and he had decided in advance of starting a new job to grow a Merv Hughes style moustache.

While it is a long time ago now my abiding memory of Hayden professionally was his creative energeticapproach to nearly any task - i remember him leading one of the most inspirational innovation session with various different exercise to keep us energised and in the zone.

But  Hayden was a fun person to work (and enjoy après-work drinks) with. Always smiling and bringing his sense of infectious humour to any situation. The office was always a fun place to be when he was around. I even got to experience his legendary pie-making skills (how many ingredients did a pie need!!) at our team away day.

This was all a long time ago but i still vividly remember Hayden making me smile a lot at work and in the various pubs (especially the one close to the office) that i was fortunate to frequent with him. 

Thinking of his family at this difficult time but hoping the positive memories he spread live on.

I worked with Hayden on a number of projects over the years in his role as a researcher. Much has been said about his smarts, his commitment and the depth he went to in order to find that 'nugget', and his ability to communicate complicated matters, in a way that, just well... made sense. And like many I shared a few drinks with him along the way and have great memories of the chat, the laughs.

But one memory really stands out. Hayden was working at GF at the time and they pitched their creative business. Hayden was Head of Insights and involved in the pitch, he would have been one of the decision makers. We pitched, we didn't get it. That's agency life. I would have been informed we missed out by a phone call, at best. Nothing unusual, unfortunately that's just the way it is.

Hayden though turned up in the office a few days later. He was carrying a hamper laden with GF's better products, plus a few other things he'd collected. He was uncomfortable, it was a bit awkward. He knew how much work a team puts into these pitches, the late nights, missed family events etc. He wanted to properly acknowledge that and he wanted to say thank you. He hadn't told anyone else at GF we was doing it and I suspect the extras (wine) were paid for out of his own pocket. It was respect, it was empathy, it was just good manners and decency from someone who genuinely cared.

I don't think we saw each other after that, but always kept an eye out on his career. I also knew that our paths would cross again and we'd pick up where we left off. We were on the same wavelength - but that wasn't unique and I suspect that's his true genius, being on the same wavelength of so many, or being able to relate to people in a way that gave you that feeling.

Thoughts with his family and friends. 

Martin

There are so many memories, long nights at Cambridge Gardens, weekends away to the Coromandel, a particularly memorable trip to Sydney for the Bledisloe, endless afternoons on the decks at Ariki St and Spingfield Rd, Saturday nights at Khuja lounge, urban hiking.... jeez I could go on and on.

So many stories to tell
Such an inappropriate place to tell them. 

My name is Aaron Taylor and I’ve known Hayden for 19 years. Professionally in the first 10 years (there’s obviously a fair bit of leeway in that term professionally) and more and more personally in the last nine.

We were kindred spirits, I guess we had a shared passion for original ideas and mischief and that spilled over into all sorts of things. I can’t really go into much of that today but what I can do is shine a light on how incredibly talented he was.

Cath asked me to inform his business connections; friends, colleagues, clients and wider networks…That was hard. I didn’t quite realise the impact that would make.

As of this morning, the LinkedIn post I made on Monday to inform people has had 29,348 views, I’ve been sent 148 photos of Bakes in action and 314 emails of anecdotes of work stories…

I can’t stress the point enough, he guy was incredible. He made a very unique mark in his short time on the planet.  

Who was Bakes in a professional sense?

He started off as an exponent of consumer research. Needscope models, Colmar Brunton methodologies, focus groups, in-depth interviews…all designed to deliver incredible insight into consumer behaviour so brand-owners and their agency partners could develop amazing products, services and influential communications.

He then evolved into a strategist,  a good stint in London, working for Mojo and Ogilvy, then into fulltime NPD development with Independent Liquor, a consultant in his own gig called Thunder Flash (yes Thunder Flash) and then later back to research at TRA.

That doesn’t sound unique but what is unique is the way Bakes went about it. What’s so impressive is the confidence and conviction he had in his work and the utter disregard for corporate protocol. 

I’d like to read you a few of anecdotes from ex-colleagues…they sum up Bakes brilliantly.

Mark Davidson
Hayden was not renowned for sartorial elegance!  I've never seen anyone able to carry off such a weird ensemble of clothing with absolutely zero self-consciousness.  The man was gifted, in more ways than one....

Rene de Monchy 
Hayden’s general skill at being an enjoyer of life, always interested in the possibilities. An amazing skill at balancing the look of complete chaos with structured insight and research. His decision quite some time ago to only wear black t-shirts and when I last saw him for lunch a couple of years ago... he was still in a black t-shirt.  A unique, inciteful, interesting and passionate guy. A good human!. I'll miss him.

Todd Wackrow 
Hayden’s famous leather man bag / satchel that he so passionately ran with was hard to forget. I’d never met anyone like Bakes in Research prior to DB, and certainly haven’t met anyone like him since. He truly had the whole “customer centric” / CX thing nailed before it became trendy. 

Adam Maxwell 
I remember Bakes coming in one morning after a MONSTER night and quietly hiding out in the corner with his lap top. One of us sent him an e mail where an alien tried to jump out of the screen at him. He screamed at the top of his voice, announced he was going to work from home, and left. At 9.30 am. Top man 

Carla Rawson
Team player … ate the chilli/curry for the team. In all the years I knew him he could make me laugh, so bloody funny! When we travelled to Aus he would have 5 black tees. He judged the best to worst by whether they had holes in them  .. saved the best for presenting days... he actually numbered the black tees and was so proud when he told us he was wearing “no. 1” !! 

I think he called them Smediums – small-medium.

Mike Hannan
He used to talk to his food before devouring it. Something like “hello pie you’re looking good I’m going to eat you…” Can’t remember if the food talked back?

Nathan Baird 
As an innovation manager he was an awesome running mate. We had a few disagreements, but they were healthy and were always forgotten pretty quickly. Too hard to some up everything that made Bakes different from other research/insight folks, but some of the things are: An awesome presenter and facilitator, highly creative, innovative, strategic and humorous insight expert. And truly one of a kind. 

Ryan Underdown.
Not only was Bakes the smartest in the room at Timaru Boys High school he was also multi-talented and witty.

• In Cricket; Bakes bowled a deceptive middle paced swing delivery. Whenever I faced him he generally bowled me or had me trapped LBW.

• In 1996, our final year at school we dared each other to enter the school singing cup (with no prior experience). Bakes impressively sang the challenging ‘close every door’ from the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and got second place.

• During the holidays he worked at McCains processing plant in Timaru. One night when I collected him for a night out in Timaru he got into the car wearing on his head what appeared to be a food safety hair net used at McCains. For what seemed like the next 10 minutes he proceeded to convince me it was actually a fashion accessory and that I should be wearing one too. 

• Every time we would say goodbye his last words were always ‘have a good one (bro)’. 

Those comments about his black t-shirts reminds me when we first met…

We were working on DB and our first project was when Nick Rogers, Bakes and I tested a whole bunch of advertising concepts for Tui beer. 

About a week after the field work, Bakes had to present the findings to the Tui marketing team and the team at Saatchi & Saatchi. It was pretty important for everyone as it was our first project together and we had a full compliment with some heavy hitters in the room. Our CEO was there, Mike O’Sullivan the Exxecutive Creative Director, Damon and Bas and Mark Davidson, the CMO at DB and the rest of the Tui team.

Anyway Bakes presented the research results and he did a great job. The outcome was really good so we were all pretty happy. But during the course of the meeting Bakes then decided to take notes on a white board as the discussion was pretty fluid. He was frantically writing on the white and board but he’d run out of room so he had to reach up where there was space on the board….well as you can imagine his little black t-shirt rose up to not only reveal a little bit of puku sticking out the bottom but also, builder’s crack.

There was a pregnant pause… but no one said a thing and he didn’t even miss a beat. I didn’t know whether I was more impressed with what he was saying or how he was saying it but I thought, man this guy’s got game!

That was Bakes… the true test of his value was always his work – he delivered golden insights time and time again. He was wise beyond his years and very comfortable in his own skin – or, a little black t-shirt.

Later than night I remember running into him at a Super Rugby game and he was rocking a full skin-tight onsie. Only Bakes could pull that off.

If it wasn’t for Bakes…Jo and I wouldn’t have launched No Ugly. He filled us full of confidence. He told us it was brave but on-point and we’d better get cracking – that functional space is filling up fast!

How right he was…thank you my man.

Bakes had huge empathy for people and he would only ever focus on the possibilities and never the obstacles. Problems became opportunities for Bakes and the way he presented a point of view or articulated a strategy always made you feel inspired to do good things...

We shared a passion for Edward De Bono’s theory of Provocation - barriers make us think laterally and invariably find a better outcome. Bakes always found a better outcome.

Bakes was one of those clever people that have the ability to turn the lights on or off. In my experience he never turned them off. His light always shined the brightest in the room and I guess that’s why this hurts so much… someone so unique, so positive, so talented and so much fun being snatched from us like this seems unfair.

I guess though, that’s the contradiction that is Bakes… expect the unexpected. Well you sure did that my man.

Bakes, here’s my promise to you - you old salty dog, I’m going to wear black on your anniversary and I’m going to rally your old colleagues, clients and friends to do the same.

We’ll call it Black-Out for Bakes day and we’ll run workshops and meetings all dressed in black jeans and silly little black t-shirts that make our puku’s stick out. And we’ll do it every year to celebrate the champion that you were.

I’m going to miss the debates we would have, the laughs, the scheming and the banter. The outrageous verbiage, the extraordinary vocabulary and the fact that I could tell you anything and you would always be confidential - and you would never judge.

Bakes, you were my friend and I’m going to miss you.

Have a good one bro. 
AT.

Bakes was the ultimate High Concept Master.  We recorded "More For Everybody" in the run-up to Easter.  In between recordings Bakes concocted an Easter Concept Album for us to produce which he titled "Roll the stone away", which is masterful. 

When we went to Ibiza one year our apartments faced the sea and we could see one of the uninhabited islands.  Each evening over our Sundowners on the balcony, Bakes would sketch out the details of a mysterious and exclusive nightclub he knew about on the island called "Sex with the Man from Turtle Island".  Nobody knew the exact location and you had to be invited to go there.  Men and women alike couldn't resist the legendary eponymous owner although very few had ever seen his face.

The night Hayden met Cath was nearly one of those sliding doors moments. Cath being the legend of a friend that she is, had earlier in the evening escorted me home in a taxi because it was definitely one of those “TAXI!” nights for me. But was she calling it a night herself? Hell no, she went straight back out again. When I wearily rose the next morning, I discovered we had a guest sitting at the dining table called Hayden, and I thought it was odd that he was still wearing his bag (99% sure, satchel), as if he was ready to bounce at any given moment. But of course he never did, because Cath was his person. How glad we all are that Cath went back out that night and met her match in the legend that is Hayden. 


Hayden is one of kind. The only person that could make a mundane story about his dad Nev constructing a ham sandwich out of fridge leftovers, the funniest thing you’ve ever heard.  Even though we were the younger siblings of friends, Hayden gave us all the time and energy he gave to every one of his friends and family. Cath and Hayden have always taken care of us, from Christchurch to London to Auckland and everywhere in between. 


Thanks for the amazing times, our friend. You will be so, so missed but never forgotten. And how could we when every time we make a sandwich we replay your rendition of Nev, with his head in the fridge, searching out that leftover ham to whip up a quick ham sammy. 


Biggest of hugs and love to wonderful Cath and the gorgeous kids. 


Em and Ash x

Hayden was our niece Cath’s husband. We live in Melbourne and have only had the pleasure of Hayden’s company at Xmas, Easter, weddings (lots of family celebrations in NZ and Australia). These were all party times and so we saw Hayden in lots of dress ups and small shorts. Hayden and Truckie (Sarah’s husband) were always the life of the party. 

When I first joined ANZ in Melbourne I was lucky enough to be included in a LinkedIn Master Class on Corporate Language authored by Hayden. I never used the words ‘deep dive’  again. 

I hope we will be able to play some part in Cath and her young families future. 

Ruth Grant (and Murray)

Mate, can we please make a short film mockumentary together, maybe with some others about two flash harry marketing consultants from Auckland who have been hired to look into the branding of Greymouth and go down there and present the main idea which is to drop the ‘Grey’ from ‘Greymouth’ (because it sounds a bit depressing) and present concepts to rename the town ‘Mouth’ or ‘yellowmouth’ or ‘goodmouth’ or  ‘#mouth’.  We could do it for real though, i.e. get someone from council to set up meetings for us so the locals think it’s a real thing and run really bad focus groups and get their reactions and then present it all in a big town meeting and film it.

My favourite part is when you say, "maybe with some others" as you witnessed with your future-brain you and I trying to pull this off. 

The one and only.

Master of the long con. Teller of tales. Sharer of wisdom. Inventor of words.
The man who wore fun like a well-loved fur onesie.

I met Hayden as part of the Focus crew, where bullshit was spun and genius flourished.
I remember times, but also remember phrases that we would come back to time and time again.

“Not too stronger flavour” “Syyyynge” “Gyneelyert” “BMOC” “Ol’ Moisty”

We kept the crew together under the name of the RFA – Return Focus Association.
What started as a way to keep in touch, become a lifelong set of cherished friends.
Our favourite gatherings remain themed dinners; food, dress and decor matched imperfectly.
Early years were expected, Italian, Mexican and the like.
Under Hayden’s influence we explored new spaces – “Fastfood orgy” and “Alter-egos”.
Food and costumes. A perfect stage for Hayden’s brand of hilarity.

Over the years partners joined the fray.
We fell in love with Cath as Hayden had.  
Our kids were born and met each other.
Wets were chopped.
Meats were worshiped.
Swass was mopped.
The most beloved friendships were formed.  

Hayden fed the RFA with love, food, brews, banter, stories, memories.
Mate, I can’t accept what the rest of life looks like without you in it.
But I recognise when part of you comes out in myself, when I bring the H.
You’re part of us all, and we will carry that in your honour and memory.

Safe travels dear Hayden. x

A Hayden moment I’d like to share.
I recall the time Hayden started a Sesame Street martians inspired bout of “yep yep yep, nope nope nope” at a work dinner. All of a sudden the bunch of us were repeating it round the table, laughing and carrying on. Hayden then said: I know what Cath and I are doing this weekend - we’re making martian puppets!    I thought “wow - there’s creativity at work” !!
Afterwards he reported back that it been a great weekend!

There’s something about that story that sums up the spirit of Hayden for me. A creative, playful, humanistic, family man. 

Even though our conversations since have been few, I’ll miss you Hayden.

My condolences to you Cath, the kids and family, friends and colleagues. 

Bakes for a man of many words, the perfect combo of wise, hilarious, and absurdly entertaining, it is hard to find ones that articulate how much you will be missed.

Recalling the adventures we crammed into a few years blows my mind. The times we would turn up to yours's and Cath's home (no matter the country!) wearing a pair of jeans only to leave after a brilliant time rocking some type of ridiculous dress-up is (I think) a perfect euphemism for you. Meeting Hayden Baker was a head-on collision into someone you instantly loved spending time with, made you laugh at yourself, and when you walked away, you were not the same; soul all the richer for crossing his path.

Over and above your hilarity, you had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome. I have never been in your company without feeling that warmth. And of course, you matched that in your soulmate Cath and having Ella, Tom, Livvy and Lulu: who are a beautiful combination of those traits.

I can recall and enjoy many memories, but today's one that stands out was on returning from the UK. Both grown-up, wiser (kind-of), and kids in tow; you and Cath had us round for dinner. Of course, we agreed on a curry-off challenge – naively! Because you took 1st prize at the first bite. It was you standing in the middle of the room with our kids and had their full attention while you performed the ultimate magic trick, 'turning rocks into chocolate'! There you were captivating their imaginations, challenging their remarks of disbelief and making them all squeal with delight when the 'magic chocolate' was unveiled. Playing that magic trick charm on the next generation, edging your larger-than-life character on those young minds.

Incredibly grateful for the short but defining bursts of time with you; what now feels like a privilege. I will hold on tight to the memories, chats, friendship and toast to you on our shared birth date for the rest of my days. Go easy up there my friend xxx

#2,

As I think back, my first real memory that comes to mind of you Hayds was the day of Sarah and I got married where the marriage certificate was lost and the wedding was delayed and you saved the day by searching the Grants farm house from top to bottom to find it which made you an instant hero amongst us all!!!
The next day at the after stripping down to your undies (x tight and no surprise  black, with a black Bo Tie) proceeded to serve adults coffees and teas while mixing up drinks for our mates ( mostly farm boys & girls) who took a sideways glance to the guy from Auckland with mixed reactions. This followed with a tour with my good mate Brad later in the day looking at the finer aspects of Don & Judi's amazing garden offering expert analyst . I think the handle bar  moustache really sold yourself that day and to this day my mates ask me how Chopper is doing!!

Many antics had at the in - laws, Don & Judi's at there home @ Ngaio Point Banks Peninsula have seen some great times over the years especially with consistent banter of who was #1 or #2 in eyes off the in - laws and this was so always so hotly contested in great humor. Daniel # 3 entered the seen in 2010 and the night we got he so sewn up a spread margarine through his hair was one of the funniest nights I've ever had!! I've learnt for you Hayds over the years and you taught me the BAKER MANOEUVRE where you hit it hard, you would then slip away undetected to sleep it off and while I didn't appreciate or approve of that type of MANOEUVRE in my younger days, I've defiantly added the BAKER MANOEUVRE to my game in recent years and its works a treat!!

We shared an awesome holiday to the Bay of Islands together with our families and had planned one to the Coromandal had Co-vid not intervened. Cath and You have generously hosted our family to big smoke in Auckland multiple times and in turn we have hosted yours to rural Mid Canterbury so our kids can experience different aspects to life . What sticks out in my memory of when we went together to watch the AB'S smash Aussie in the 2011 world cup semi final @ Eden Park. I  will be remember that occasion fondly

I asked my kids Gus, Issy and Max what they will miss about their uncle Hayds and they all said he was so funny, was really interested in what they were up to and he was such a nice guy and played heaps of cricket with them and they remember the  massive sand castle we all built in the Bay of Islands together.

Me, I was miss those awesome tasty feeds you would spend hours preparing in the kitchen in your Blacks T's and jeans or if summer black shorts x tight with butt crack showing, breaking out into a loud chorus of random songs while cooking. Your one liners from many movies that would arrive mid conversation to lighten up what we were discussing. Your personal interest in what everyone was up to and adding your intelligence to the conversation. Yours sense of humor, your ability to laugh at your self, creativeness, intelligence and up for anything attitude but especially the banter and the bond that #1,2 & 3 had was special and will be greatly missed by us all.
 
Cath, Ella, Tom, Lulu & Livy have a tough road ahead but you can rest easy my friend to know that they will be well loved and supported by Sarah, Gus, Issy Max &  I, family and friends.

RIP #2
Cheers #1

Hayden was not a man to be confined by the constraints of a recipe, so these are but a guideline; however, they are some key ingredients that I have noted in the Turducken of a man we know and love. Each of these ‘ingredients’ teaches me a Key Theme (or Keith Eame).

Food

Despite of, or perhaps because of, his Timaru culinary heritage (including the Timaru Beef Wellington – pie sandwich), Hayden had a love of spice. It was apparent to those dining with him that his body never fully followed his mind in embracing the heat: his face coloured a violent red, he sweated profusely (Gai Fai at Sawadee was a ‘two-, possibly three-towel meal’) and was once witnessed ‘Trying to run away from my mouth, it’s on fire.’ Nevertheless he persisted, the pleasure outweighing the pain.

Key Theme: Just do it. Eat if it you want it. Try new things. Take pleasure in food and eating with people.

Language


They say that ‘people won’t remember what you do or say but how you make them feel’, but I remember lots of conversations with Hayden.

This is because Hayden loved words and sounds. He taught me words such as synge, sifting, swass, that the buses that stopped outside my bedroom window made a BURT sound.

Hayden and I recently worked on a project together. In one online workshop he used all of the following phrases in the five-minute introduction:

• Feel some alignment
• Talk through the meat of this
• Interesting provocations
• Driving value out of our time together
• Active processing
• Surface what you think is interesting
• The space around this thinking
• Ready retinas

Key Theme: Tell a story, confident delivery is key. Sound effects are good. Enjoy the mouth feel of words, some of them are very funny.


A robust appreciation of the absurd

I would text Hayden with nonsense I had seen or heard, and over the period of 12–18 months, I heard nothing back. Maybe he didn’t find these things funny? No, he had the wrong number for me. Instead, he had been sending similar nonsense to a guy called Kenny who lived in New Plymouth. I attach a photo of Kenny, who must have also appreciated a bit of nonsense himself, as he didn’t tell Hayden he had the wrong number for 18 months.

Hayden’s passing leaves Fatherless our more than seven imaginary children, including Noel and Leon, our palindromic twins.

Key Theme: Be yourself, find your tribe, people who laugh with you, find pleasure in the little things.


Fashion

In food as in life, presentation matters.

When Hayden moved from Dunedin to Auckland to start his job as a junior researcher at Focus, his wardrobe had already weathered the storms of his student life. I was asked to have a conversation with him about his attire, and to find a way to suggest that jumpers with gaping holes in the armpits and jeans that had ‘blown in the crotch’ were maybe not the professional look the agency was going for.

I have seen his butt crack more than I care to think about as his various shorts, trousers and jeans slid away from his hips as he socialised, danced or just worked at his desk.

At a party at Jen and Hayden’s flat in Western Springs, Hayden wore a pair of what were deemed ‘cheeky shorts’, providing a vacuum packed view for all. When this was mentioned to Cath, she responded, ‘Isn’t he so gorgeous?’

Which leads us to the next key ingredient…

Love

A Mwuffler is, of course, best paired with another Mwuffler. In Cath, Hayden found a champion, a warm, loving powerhouse who makes it all look easy and loves him so. In her and their children he had a place to call home, to create more adventures as a family and with their friends.

Key Theme: Don’t settle for ‘the girl with a face like a dropped pie’ at the end of the night. Find a Cath. Hold on to her.

Reading these tributes and memories has been a source of joy, how loved and truly yourself you were with all.

My friendship palate is poorer for the absence of your unique flavour profile, H. I will miss you very much.

I worked with Hayden at Haines McGregor and then Britvic. He always brought joy to those around him and his super intelligent brain combined with relaxed way meant that he was always a popular team choice and it was often difficult to get his time! But it's the funny moments that stick with you - as well as the encouraging words. One day at Haines McGregor, 4 of us  decided to climb a mountain, so off we popped one chilly British weekend in Bridget's Mini for a trip to Snowden. On the way we had to pick up Hayden...he was hungover and in trouble with Cath for not telling her in advance of the plan, but we wouldn't take no for an answer, so in he popped with his 'satchel' wearing a pair of white skin tight rugby shorts, black T Shirt and trainers while we were wearing our outdoor gear, coats, jumpers etc. It was as they say 'fff'ing' freezing going up that mountain with ice and windchill at the top, but the vision of Hayden running up and down to keep warm (doubling the climb) in those shorts with his red chapped hairy legs on display and never letting it get to him has stayed with me. You don't forget these moments and it's difficult to forget Hayden, so young to go but he will be remembered very fondly for being so unflinchingly true to himself.

The first time I met Hayden, he was sweaty. A big session with the team at DB the previous night had taken its toll and he required restroom guidance at the advertising agency I was working at. Little did I know this rugged looking beer guy who was about to demolish our client loos, the ones with a ‘no poop’ policy, had an absolute heart of gold. Reasonably rough on the exterior, Bakes was deep thinking and hilarious inside. Lucky enough to meet him through my close friend Simon ‘The Woodjer’ Grigor, Bakes became a regular part of my social life in Auckland. I often got happily lost in the stories of South Island shenanigans from the original Timaru posse. Bakes playing taxi-driver from a one day cricket match from Christchurch to Ashburton (when he may or may not been old enough to  have a licence) for Nev stands out. I’ll never forget him saying to me at golf one day “Mate, I reckon you could smash me in a fight in a pub. How you can’t out-drive me at golf is beyond me”. He had a point. But that was Bakes. So much talent and awesomeness squeezed into a medium sized body. Turns out he channeled all this prowess and excess of genetic superiority into making a clutch of fantastic kids with the love of his life, Cath. I will forever live in awe of Bakes. The most surprisingly brilliant, fun, and insightful person I might ever meet. I will miss you, my friend. 

Bakes,
I feel so incredibly privileged to have met you all those years ago in Timaru thanks to Simon, and to have so many memories of you.  You are the man who convinced me to get my tongue pierced, the man who embarrassed me in the supermarket by pulling your pants up to your armpits, the man who wowed me with your talent at playing the spoons, the man of many dress ups, the man that without doubt would make me smile and laugh, the visits to Nana B, the in depth conversations over the most mundane things, the jokes, the laughs - all burnt into my memory bank.
The world has lost a gem and a genuine good guy. You will be sorely missed by so many. 

Lots of love, Bex

He was one of the funniest people to be around. He was able to effortlessly make everyone else have a good time.
You made us laugh with all of your naughty antics at Colmar Brunton. I remember when you joined up on NZ dating and posted Connon’s photo instead of your own and we would all gather around your desk on a Friday night drinks to see how many girls fell for it.

The conferences/parties/ and just going out for drink were always end up with a good story.

I will miss you dearly my friend.

Cath and your beautiful kids please keep well, my thoughts are with you.
Jenny 

My words will never be able to express how you have made a difference in my life and the team at Jetstream. You were the founding energy behind what we have become.

Your passing has left a massive hole in our lives.

Cath and the family. You will have our support and love when you need it, now and in the future.

God bless and love to you all.

Mark & Kirsten Dundas-Heppleston and the entire team at Jetstream.

Hayden, you are one of the good guys. A top class professional but so much more. Just by being you, you were quickly and easily welcomed deeply into the hearts of those around you. Mine feels very heavy knowing we will no longer see the twinkle in your eyes during an intellectual debate about the best biscuit ever, sharing a hearty giggle or at your loud impromptu out burst of song. But the times your eyes twinkled the most, was when you talked about Cath and your gorgeous children. They made your eyes truly sparkle with love. Thank you H, for being you. Always. M

Hayden, mate, I'm so full of gratitude for everything you gave us all while you were here.

I met you on my first day of my first proper job at Colmar Brunton. We quickly figured out that we were kindred spirits (although you probably didn't realise how infinitely cool I thought you were). I learned a huge amount from you about the craft of qualitative research, but also about the craft of living life extraordinarily well. The imaginative way you looked at everything turned ordinary situations into fun and games and so so much laughter.

From Takapuna to London and back again, the parties we had and the nonsense we invented have left a stack of great memories. 

As we got older, and life got a little more serious, you continued to inspire me with the way you made family life fun at home, and work life fun in your leadership roles. 

Today it seems incomprehensible that you're so suddenly gone, but I know that your wisdom, your wit, and your love of life will echo through all of us who were fortunate to know you. 

I miss you big time, but I smile knowing that wherever you are now, you'll be wearing a wild outfit, introducing yourself as a biscuit designer, and inventing some kind of crazy game to play.

Rest easy bro.

Hayden and I worked closely together for a year and had so many laughs even during intense work periods - you were such a crack up. 
When we first met, he thought I was the crazy one but it turns out he was!  I really valued his energy, his sense of humour and his bright mind - he was one of the smartest people I know.  I really loved the way he talked about Cath and her floristry business and about each of his kids with such love and pride.
How we laughed when his little one came onscreen with the crotch of your holey undies over her head, saying 'daddy look at your undies' - while you were running a digital focus group with clients watching; or when we were meeting with the senior leadership team of one of our clients and you got the dreaded 'daddy I've got poo's' calling from behind.  You were always so human, so real, and yet a consummate professional.
We all miss you!  Sending love to you and the kids Cath.

I shared a random tweet I read with our friend group and asked for answers - here is Hayden's; 

"His name is actually Chris, but his mates call him Christmas Chris because he is pretty special and if you’re out with him you never know what you’re going to get the next day.



Chris went out with the rest of the boys from the site for a few quiets after work on Friday and is now on his way home.  Christmas Chris still thinks its Sunday because he has lost his phone and does not know where he is.  Christmas Chris woke up about 45 minutes ago in a house he had never been to, on the couch in only his short, one sock and covered in a small towel and a little bit of his own sick.  No phone, no clothes, no wallet (but still the debit card); head pounding like a bag of spanners and a tongue like a doormat.  Chris quietly gets up and sneaks through the unfamiliar house, stepping over bongs, durry stubs and empties to find the fridge – the last time he had water was Wednesday afternoon.  Chris needs fluid.  The fridge is more shambolic than the house or his life for that matter.  Half a lettuce, a rogue goonbag sans box, wrinkled carrots and some old tubs of cream cheese…and two ice cold cans of Cody’s Gold 8%.



Chris needs no invitation to crack back a cold Cody’s, and because he thinks it’s probably Sunday afternoon, he downs the first one in one gulp and puts the second down his undies, because his shorts don’t have pockets, and sneaks back through to the teal couch to find his clothes.  Chris cant find his clothes but does find the orange towel and an additional non-matching sock and decides that abandoning the hi-vis, Allen Drainlaying Polo and work boots he was wearing is better than being caught semi naked in the lounge by whoever lives here.



Chris picks his way back over the discarded cans, cigarette butts and whippet bulbs to the front door and glides out into the hot morning sun.  There on the steps is a pair of gumboots, not ideal but better than ill matching socks for walking back from wherever he actually is.



And now in the cold light of the hot morning sun, Chris ambles up the quiet suburban street.  Cars hum past, he can hear power tools.  Birds are chirping and Chris scurries into the only shelter he can find – a bus stop.  Thew first can of Cody’s has soaked into his dehydrated veins and Chris feels good again.  Ready to go for a Sunday session.  Sunlight is the best disinfectant his mum used to say, but she was wrong.  A bullet of Cody’s 8’s are the way forward.  With the orange towel slung boldly over his pasty white shoulder, Chris reaches into his pants and extracts an ice cold Cody’s Gold, 8% - a glorious hiss and crack as he opens and takes a swig of the fizzy, cold, smooth taste of Sunday. 



A girl walks past and catches his eye, she smiles as she looks away. Chris knows he’s still got it and waits for a bus, or whatever comes his way next."

This photo is how I remember Hayden, larger than life, full of fun and an awesome researcher! He started his research career at Focus Research (now NeedScope International) and he bought an energy and big curiosity to the team, many fun times and great work accomplished! I do remember not long after he started as around a 22 year old he just didn't turn up to work on Monday morning. We started to worry and tried to ring his contacts......needless to say he turned up the next day full of apologies, a big weekend being to blame! Hayden proved to be a great insights manager both research and client side and will be sorely missed by everyone who crossed his fun path. Thinking of his family, Kia Kaha. Maria

Geez I am going to miss you mate. 24 years ago at Knox in Dunedin I met one of the most unique characters I've ever had the privilege to call a good friend. Easing about in a way-too-small Speight's singlet, even smaller shorts and that gold chain, I grew to love your wit, intelligence, propensity to act the goat and ability to spin tall stories (the famous 'Baker Yarn'). Always up for a good time, you had the incredible ability to laugh at yourself for the amusement of others. And shit you made us laugh. You were that guy that people gravitated to, just because. Some of the best times of my life were had in your company - I'll always look upon those days and smile. To see the awesome family that you have created with your amazing wife is what life is all about. I won't lie - Kate and I, like so many of us, feel robbed of a great man way before his time, but your legacy will live on in Cath, Ella, Tom, Lucia and Olivia; and in the countless stories that will be shared in great company over decades to come about the man that we know as Bakes.

Rest easy mate.
Cletus & Mori x