New Zealand Business Hall of Fame

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Tony Caughey, Chair of the Young Enterprise Trust and your fellow trustees; leading New Zealand business and professional people, Lilias Bell, Corinne Blumsky, Nigel Gould, Bryan Gunderson, Paul Lockey and Philip Meyer; Sir Eion Edgar, Chair of the Laureate Selection Panel; you, Donna Dentice, Chief Executive of the Trust and your staff members; Allen Williams, Chief Executive of Fairfax New Zealand; Fred Hellaby, a Director of Auckland Chamber of Commerce; Members of Parliament, John Hayes and Hon Lianne Dalziel, Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It has been with pleasure that my wife Susan and I have accepted the Young Enterprise Trust’s invitation to be here for the Fairfax Media New Zealand Business Hall of Fame dinner.

It will be an honour a little later this evening to present the citations that recognise the six newest laureates of the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

Right now, I would like to say something about retiring Chief Executive, Donna Dentice, who will conclude her position with the Trust at the end of this week.  After a high profile career in education, Donna came to the Trust’s work six years ago.  In this time, the Young Enterprise Trust profile and its work in promoting financial literacy has continued to be advanced.  Donna, you will finish with the thanks of many for all you have given to the organisation.

This is the third Business Hall of Fame dinner I have addressed with both Susan and I being, as well, enthusiastic supporters of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Awards Scheme.

Originally established as the Enterprise New Zealand Trust in 1986, the Young Enterprise Trust works to promote what can be described as an “enterprise” and financially literate culture among New Zealand school students that involves students actively working, both competitively and collaboratively, to construct innovative business plans and to develop and market products. 

There is also a range of programmes and resources made available to New Zealand teachers to assist them in enhancing their pupils’ financial literacy.  I am advised that there are now some 50,000 students a year who participate in these programmes which is figure in which the Trust can rightly take pride.

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame is another way in which the Trust connected with the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce promotes an “enterprise” culture by presenting role models of successful businesspeople to all New Zealanders. 

In a column in a recent edition of Unlimited magazine, writer, David Slack, commented on the work of Auckland pharmaceutical scientist and medical appliance inventor Ray Avery. I had recently had the pleasure of awarding the 2010 Blake Medal to Ray at a ceremony at Government House in Auckland for his scientific innovation and his service to the world’s poor.  He is described as having swapped the commercial world for "taking responsibility for a world that accepts social inequity".  His vision is for a world where everyone has access to medicines and medical assistance that enable quality healthcare.  His remarkable energy is being applied from New Zealand to achieving just that.

Commenting on Mr Avery’s success, David Slack wrote: “When your starting point is not ‘how can I make money?’ but ‘what can I do to solve this problem?’ remarkable things may happen.”

The six New Zealanders being recognised for their acumen this evening did more than just establish successful businesses.  They created organisations to meet real consumer needs and provided employment and opportunities for advancement to other New Zealanders. In doing so, each has made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economic and social development.

Like Ray Avery, whose intraocular lenses, a device administering intravenous fluids and medicines; a nutritious food product for treatment of malnutrition in children; and a low-cost infant incubator, specifically designed for use in the developing world have to date saved the sight and lives of many thousands of the world’s poor, our newest laureates are examples of people who recognised that success in business is about more than making money.  

Each of tonight’s laureates has also been noted for their significant philanthropy that has supported a range of charitable causes.  Many established charitable foundations continue to provide an ongoing legacy to the community.

Tonight’s laureates are also well known for their community work through service in organisations advancing New Zealanders’ cultural, artistic, sporting, educational and health needs.  It is a record of service inspiring to others.

The six honoured shortly did not take soft options.  They realised their vision of a better life through enterprise, initiative and downright hard work.  In doing so they have improved their own well-being and that of the wider community.  It is as though each of them has had in mind the words of the 19th century Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson who once famously said: “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

And on that note I will close in our country’s first language, offering everyone greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.