Sport: Service to Sport
Born: 24 May 1950
Birthplace: Palmerston North

John Arthur Callesen was born May 24 1950 in Palmerston North, and attended Longburn School before going to Nelson College, playing first XI rugby in 1967. John made his Manawatu debut in 1970, one day before his twentieth birthday and played every game during 1970-71 impressing not only with his high lineout leaping but also his speed about the field. Provincially, Callesen played almost 100 games for the Manawatu, an era when Manawatu Rugby had a grand run with the Ranfurly Shield.

A Junior All Black in 1972 and '73  John made his All Black debut in 1974 and played 18 matches for the All Blacks including four tests. On more than one occasion,  he had to pass up touring opportunities for his country due to work commitments, remembering rugby was still a strictly amateur sport in this era.

Unfortunately a prolapsed disc in John's back prematurely ended his rugby career, and dashed his plans to reach a century of games for the Manawatu and once again lock for the All Blacks.

John has also made an immense contribution to Manawatu Athletics and without his efforts the Manawatu Community Athletic Track (MCAT) would not exist. John became involved in athletics in the early 1990's through his daughters Hannah and Emma, both talented athletes and national medallists.

For many years the Manawatu Athletics community had been lobbying for an all weather track in the area, but to no avail. However once John came on board with the project, a senior athletics official said, "doors that were previously shut were now opened". From the time of the tracks construction, until 2009, John served on the MCAT board, and was a strong advocate for the sport of athletics.