Anthony Frederick Hunter was born in Blackheath, London, and at the age of two emigrated to New Zealand with his parents, both of whom died during his childhood. He was then brought up by an aunt and uncle and educated at Mount Albert Grammar School, King's College, and the University of Otago Medic

Jack Mitchell Hay was born in Wellington, New Zealand, on 22 October 1920, the youngest child of Mr Justice Hay. His early education was at Hutt Valley Boys' High School and Victoria University College where he initially studied law for a year before proceeding to Otago University to study medicine,