Sincere condolences to the O'Connor and Hastings families, and all their families and friends. Sending love from Ireland.

Catholic Tennis brings back the amazing memories of the Annual Christmas Tennis Carnival where the connections formed between the Wellington and Auckland teams began for me in the late seventies. Mike and Marcus and Antoinette, you were well respected.!! Looking at the photos in today's tribute I feel transported back in time to feel the banter and camaraderie of those days. Many memories were created off and on the court, with the deepest respect for the tennis skills that our small group of enthusiasts had evolved. For me today, I am grateful to have been alerted to share in Mike's farewell and I am truly inspired by his generous spirit, his tenacity to show up and his unfading love for his family, close friends and those that he took time to pause and also connect with. I'm sure he is in the VIP lounge of heaven. His spirit will always be with you. Kia kaha to Team Mike!! xxxx

So very sorry to hear about Mike, Antoinette… we are thinking of you and all your family. Philippa (Clifford) Bartlett

The service yesterday was fantastic and I was not surprised to learn that Mike has touched so many lives in the way that he has mine. Just a very special person. I worked with Mike on and off over the last 7 years or so and I already found myself asking 'how can I channel Mike' even before his most recent challenge. Being able to witness in some small part the way he navigated the last year and a half was incredibly inspirational and now even moreso I will be asking myself 'what would Mike do' when things get tough. Monday 4th was my birthday so I will always remember to raise a glass for him every year. I will also try to remember the tips he gave me when we had a hit at the Renouf - keep your head still, stop jumping - all while casually returning my hardest shots despite being 20+ years my senior. Best wishes to all of his family and friends.

I stumbled across Micheal’s obituary in a several day old newspaper and although we have had no contact in 50 odd years I still have my vivid memories of him, a decent and good kid at school. My deepest sympathies to all.

Deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I knew "the twins" for about 8 years at intermdiate and early college. They were talented athletes at school and great company and competition. They were both off the scale. They worked and played hard. They were very clever academically but cheeky also. Mike and Marcus were really fun to be with dudes and mischievious. My younger brother was brought home in a police car after an afternoon with the twins around Guy Fawkes. They'd were all apprehended letting fire crackers off in the Victoria tunnel after school!!! Mike was a high energy guy, a fast runner and always had a good joke to tell. He was popular and a natural leader, a calm and reserved guy. I wished I kept in touch when them both after they left our school. I was pleased to have known them both as as boy. Some people you always remember. Rest well Mike.

Hi Nettie. A beautiful and very fitting service. Mike would be so proud of you and his girls. All our love Dave and Kim Kindley

Thinking of you Antoinette and your girls, Marcus and your family. Only just heard this morning. Fond tennis memories, good days. RIP Michael. Bill Aldridge(Adelaide)

To Mike’s family: deepest condolences on your inestimable loss. For 26 years Mike and I were friends, meeting up regularly in both Sydney and Wellington (where I originally encountered him, proverbial cigi in hand, on The Terrace). I don’t know how many times I found him so—either there or on Willis Street. Every meeting was the same: massive smiles, mutual back slaps, and (more often than not) a pub lunch! In Sydney, the same—and, on occasion, a BBQ here at my home. I’ll miss ‘Iron Mike’, as I called him, a great deal. As he would say, in the face of significant misfortune or a major loss, ‘bugger’. Paul Ryder (Sydney)

I first met Mike in 2022. We sat together and had a long chat about how Catalyst came to be. He even got up and got beers for us, so we could have the conversation properly. I remember leaving that conversation thinking, "Wow, what a guy." I met Mike again in 2023 when he attended one of my conference talks. Afterwards, he was incredibly encouraging, shook my hand, and enthusiastically said, "That'll go down in the history books", and "You’ll go far, young man". That moment really stuck with me. I got the impression he felt the sincerity in my talk and my appreciation for what he had built at Catalyst. The final time I met Mike was in 2024, when I found out he was also learning Mandarin, and we had a brief exchange in Chinese. The last thing I said to him was "兄弟，再见" as I patted his shoulder and departed the conference thinking I would see him at the next one. I feel very fortunate to have met Mike. Even though our meetings were brief, the quality of time I had with him was extraordinary. It was clear he was a remarkable man. The world (especially the education sector) is better for him having been in it. 兄弟，安息。

I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I am very glad to have known him. I have very fond memories of sharing a house with Mike and Antoinette in London in the eighties. Playing tennis, pints at the County Arms and watching Cheers (I never saw Mike and Ted Danson in the same room at the same time!). And then more fun times when visiting NZ in the early nighties. I particularly remember a great weekend at Coromandel. And Mike’s speech at Marcus and Jill’s wedding was hilarious. Happy days. It was great to see you both a couple of times in recent years when you were visiting the UK. RIP Mike David Roxburgh (aka Spurt)

My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with you; Antoinette, Amy, Lucy, Emma, Phoebe, and Marcus. I had the great fortune of working with Mike for 15 years at Catalyst, and he was truly one of the wisest leaders I've ever known. Beyond his remarkable ability to guide with clarity and integrity, what I'll remember most is his genuine warmth and his passion for constantly improving, whether it was refining his golf game or elevating those around him. Mike had a way of cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly mattered. He made everyone around him better. He was also made things fun. You have my deepest sympathy. Mike was a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed.

Sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. A caring and a good hearted person. Wishing Antoinette and the rest of the family all the best in this difficult time.

My deepest sympathies to the O'Connor family. Mike was my boss at Catalyst for the almost-11 years I worked there, and a man I admired and looked up to. Great humour and energy and someone that could command a room and get even the most recalcitrant client to listen. Will miss our beers and chats. God bless, Sam Bonner

Thinking of you, Antoinette, the girls and extended family at this sad time. Mike was a beautiful man, always smiling, with a great sense of humour and I have fond memories of him and the whole O'Connor clan playing in the NZ Catholics. They were great days. I'll never forget how he carried me through to a mixed doubles title on year. Much love to all. RIP Mike ❤️ Lyn & the Meachen family

So sorry to hear about Mike’s death and sending you, Antoinette, and your girls lots of love at this time. I have such vivid memories of watching Mike and Antoinette and Marcus play tennis at the Christmas catholic tennis tournaments. Such great players and good fun. May you be comforted by the love of those who surround you With love The Barker family

I was always very proud to be able to call Mike my friend. For the last 35-odd years we only saw each other a couple of times a year, at best, but every occasion reminded me of the profoundly positive influence he had on my life. He was an unfailingly kind and generous man, steadfast in his views on life and the world around him, thoroughly loyal to his family and friends, and nobody could fail to admire the grace and courage that he showed during his final months. Of course, no tribute to Mike would be complete without mention of his various sporting talents and a sense of humour that was wholly his own. He was always willing to help those of us with less talent, and make us laugh with him at the same time. If you’re listening Mike, nobody will ever take last year’s 83 at Millbrook away from you - 10Kg underweight, festooned with feeding tubes and you still put in a solid round. Legend. RIP mate.

I first met Mike and Antoinette at the Windmill Hill Tennis Centre on the south coast of England back in the early 80s - what a fun time we had! One memory I’d like to share - over 30 years ago now - was back in New Zealand we all went white water rafting. After struggling into our wetsuits with much hilarity, we jumped into two boats. At the end of the run down the river we were encouraged to potentially cause a capsize. I remember Mike’s glasses flying off his nose and disappearing into the river, where they are, no doubt, still bobbing about on the bottom. He didn’t appear fazed - always seeing the bright side of a situation, so quick witted, friendly and charming. Thanks for the memories, Mike.

Micky was such an awesome man. Always made me feel so included. I’ll forever remember his warmth and laughter. He loved his family so much and will be dearly missed. Rest in peace ❤️‍🩹

We met Mike through our son Tom who is now married to Lucy. There was a lot to admire about Mike. He was warm , intelligent and generous. When faced with a serious diagnosis he was uncomplaining and maintained an unwavering positive outlook on life. He was determined to keep doing the things he loved including tennis, golf, travel and most importantly spending time with his family. The way he achieved this was seriously impressive. We will sadly miss this lovely man who has enriched many lives.

My thoughts are with Marcus Antoinette and family. Mike was always a champion. On the tennis court, rugby field and in life, he was a natural happy leader

Dear Emma & family, We are deeply saddened to hear of your dads passing, only met him once and felt totally comfortable with him. Would have liked to known him better. God bless you and the family. Blessings Terry & Mear Vickers

Dear O'Connor family, I worked with Mike as partners for over 20 years, directly and indirectly. We didn't see each other often enough, but we always picked straight back up where we left off. As a CEO he was an inspiration and a mentor to me. Not always that formally, but just by the way he always did things the Right Way, the Open way, the Fun way, the Human way, even when talking about money and business. "How's it going, young fella" he'd always say, and I always felt that someday I'd be more like him. He was always there to buy drinks for everyone, no matter whether it was a sponsorship or not. His support of Moodle, through Catalyst, was second to none, even though he was always trying to get a good deal for Catalyst. I'll miss you, old fella. Thanks for being part of my life. Cheers! Martin

Dear Amy and O’Connor family Thoughts and prayers for you all during this tough time. May perpetual light shine upon him. RIP. Wade Hall

Dear Antoinette and family. So sorry to hear of Mike’s death. So many fond memories of catholic tennis tournaments - watching Mike and Marcus play up a storm! May you be surrounded with love and the support of family and friends. From The Barker family

Dear Antoinette and Family We are deeply saddened to learn of Mike’s passing and send you our sincerest sympathy. Wishing you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. McLauchlan Family

Our deepest sympathies Antoinette and family. Remembering Mike fondly and sending you love at this sad time. Love Chris and Liz