There is a piece of Max Davies' family history sitting in the Sargood House Common Room. It is a pool table, made many decades ago by Billiard World - the company owned by Max's father. When Max spotted it during a recent visit to St Paul's, he immediately knew where it had come from. ‘That’s Dad’s pool table,’ he told his son, Jordan.

It is one of the many small connections Max has with St Paul’s. His sons, Stefan (Hall 2004–2008) and Jordan (Hall 2009–2013), both attended the school, and now Max is involved once again.  These days, his connection is largely through being a Platinum Sponsor of the St Paul’s Basketball Team. 

In addition to other teams, Max has played basketball for the same team in the Hamilton Basketball League for nearly 50 years and has no intention of giving up his place just yet. He has his eye on the record for the longest-tenured player, although there is one small problem: St Paul’s Director of Basketball Jaxson Fisher's grandmother is still playing too. ‘She’s a pain - she just won’t quit!’ laughs Max. 

Through his business, Elite Business Systems, Max has supported basketball for many years, including teams and players in both Hamilton (Pistons/Titans) and Tauranga (Whai Basketball and Tauranga City Basketball). For Max, it is simply about doing what he can. ‘We don’t change the world,’ he says, ‘but we can make some differences here and there.’

That same practical approach has shaped his working life. Max joined the team at Elite Business Systems 33 years ago, took over ownership in 2003, and still clearly enjoys the people and relationships that come with running a business. Technology may have changed considerably since Elite started in 1988, but Max says the basics have not. “It's just about our building long-term relationships and enhancing the businesses of each of our clients,” he says.  Elite Business Systems has come a long way from being the ‘A&E of the technology world’ and fixing problems when they arise. 

Today, the team focuses on helping businesses stay proactive, agile, and ready for whatever comes next. With a long history of innovation and strong client relationships, Elite supports New Zealand SMBs with tailored solutions across IT, Print, Communications, Development and more. The business now operates from Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland, with around 50 talented people who are passionate about what they do.  Max says the A&E comparison still fits in some ways. “When technology breaks, people want it sorted quickly,” he laughs. That’s where great service and strong relationships make all the difference. Since launching a Client Satisfaction reporting system five months ago, Elite has maintained an impressive average positive client satisfaction rating of 97.38%, a reflection of the care and commitment the whole team brings to every interaction, and something that Max is quietly proud of.

Away from work and basketball, family remains central. Max and his wife, Brenda, have four children and five grandchildren, all based in Hamilton. Their adult kids have each taken very different paths, from event management and accounting to flower farming and teaching, and Max is clearly proud of them all. He enjoys watching the younger generation find their own way, although he is never shy about offering a little advice when asked (or not asked!).

His advice to young people starting out is simple: don’t be afraid of change as change is one thing that is guaranteed. ‘Don’t be scared of it,’ he says. ‘Grab hold of it, work hard, be resilient, enjoy the journey, and make a difference to others.’

But when it comes to basketball, Max is clearly not going anywhere just yet as he continues to chase a basketball record nearly 50 years in the making.

Stay connected to St Paul’s
Like Max, many members of our community continue to give their time, energy, and support. Find out how you can get involved and email us here.