Born on April Fools Day, 1973, with an extra toe on his right foot and a worried look on his face, Ben has since discovered that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Sharing the same feet as Marilyn Monroe and Kelly Slater it is little wonder that his two passions in life are Music and Surfing.

Growing up in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, in a household where George Harrisons’ Concert for Bangladesh, Simon and Garfunkles’ Concert in Central park, Fleetwood Macs’ Rumours and numerous Rolling Stones Vinyl’s were consistently spun Ben sub consciously developed a strong connection with melody. Constant drum patterns on the lounge suite resulted in Bens first musical instrument, a drum kit, which after only three months was sold to purchase his first surfboard.

The art of playing music was put aside until 1994 when, on his 21st birthday, he was given his first acoustic guitar from university flat mates who, for the rest of the year were tormented on a regular basis.

In 1996 Ben made his debut public performance at the Hairy Cactus on Napier’s Marine Parade which ignited his love for playing to an audience. This further developed when he joined Neil Finn on stage at the Hastings Municipal Theatre in 2001. In 2002, Ben teamed up with guitarist Lindsay Gibb, bassist Tara Preston and drummer Darryl Jones, under the banner of GROUNDSWELL which became a successful vehicle for his original music to develop.

In May 2004, Ben wrote and produced groundswells debut album – SONGS FROM THE SLEEPOUT – under the guidance of recording engineer Mike Gibson (INCA STUDIOS, Wellington). The album received airplay on the ‘Homegrown” show hosted by Liz Barry and has since appealed to a range of audiences.
Instead of attempting to burst headlong into the New Zealand music industry, Ben changed tack. Selling all his possessions he took his wife and three young children to Spain, France and Portugal for 5 months on a cultural, surfing and life-altering experience.

Since returning to New Zealand he has embarked on the unpredictable, roller coaster ride which is living and providing as a singer/songwriter. His musical influences lie in the acoustic melodies of Neil Young, musicianship of David Gilmour, Story telling of Jackie Leven and soul soothing energy of Bob Marley and Ben Harper.

Today Ben lives in the coastal settlement of Haumoana with his wife Tash and three children – Kaya, Elijah and Wiremu. Taking the road less traveled he views his role at this stage in life as guiding his children safely through a largely materialistic and money orientated society using the medium of music, travel and Aroha.

After all, what else is a man born on April Fools Day with 6 toes on his right foot supposed to do?