Tom Thomson, of Christchurch,ONZM, for services to the manufacturing industry, philanthropy and the community
Tom Thomson co-owns Elastomer Product Limited (EPL). Under his leadership as Technical Director and Managing Director, EPL introduced new plastic polymers to the New Zealand market. He was National President of Plastics New Zealand and President of the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association. He helped set up training programmes and standards behind a qualification in plastics manufacturing and technology. Through EPL, he has supported Westpac Trust Rescue Helicopter and other charities. He has been a founding member of the informal Cads Society of industry stalwarts, which has funded a number of community initiatives. Mr Thomson has been an honorary fisheries officer, Deputy Controller at the Motunau Rural Fire Force, and a member of the Canterbury Museum Trust Board and the Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand.