Rod Duke – Rod Duke has been at the forefront of retailinnovation in New Zealand as the Managing Director & Deputy Chairman ofBriscoe Group since purchasing 100% ownership of the company in 1990. Today,Rod still owns 80% of the Group which encompasses 90 stores and directlyemploys around 2380 people across its two brands, Briscoes Homewares, and theRebel Sport Chain, which he established in 1996. Duke is a longstanding supporter of child cancer research and support programmes with a focus one enhancing young people’s wellbeing.  

Ranjna Patel – Ranjna Patel, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, co-founded New Zealand's largest private primary healthcare network, Tamaki Health, impacting over 300,000 patients through 50 clinics and the digital platform, Bettr. Her notable contributions extend to founding Gandhi Nivas, an innovative family harm prevention program delivering significant social returns. Awarded the QSM and ONZM for her charitable efforts, Ranjna also serves as a Trustee for the Swaminarayan Temple, promoting extensive community and social services. Her leadership in healthcare and social welfare has made her a pivotal figure in fostering community well-being and equity.  

Mark Dunajtschik – Mark Dunajtschik, a humble man, who immigrated to New Zealand as a toolmaker in1958 to make a new life after an extraordinary plight that saw him imprisoned by Yugoslav forces in a concentration camp under Marshall Tito rule before escaping to Germany. Once arriving in New Zealand, he set up Precision Grinders in Wellington running a toolmaking business successfully for 28 years. Retiring in 1987 he took up developing and investing in property as a hobby in central Wellington. With his hands on formula this became a very successful business, hence Mark has become one of Wellington's and New Zealand's most generous philanthropists.

Diane Foreman - Earning international accolades, Diane has made significant contributions to healthcare, manufacturing and franchising. An entrepreneur with 35 years of success, Diane was recognised as New Zealand’s 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year. Formerly CEO of Trigon Industries and founder of Emerald Group, Diane chairs Chelsea Group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of developments. She is an accomplished author and a co-founder of International Winning Woman.

Sir Owen Glenn– Since immigrating to New Zealand with his family from India in 1952, Sir Owen Glenn has distinguished himself through a variety of successful ventures spanning logistics, property development, horticulture, and investments on a global scale. Notably, he was the founder and chairman of OTS Logistics Group.  In 2008 Glenn received an ONZM and in 2011 he was made a CPA Australia Honorary Fellow. Knighted in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to philanthropy, Glenn has contributed extensively to education, the arts, healthcare, and sport. His noteworthy contribution to the University of Auckland in 2002 stands as the largest private donation in New Zealand's educational history.

Todd Heller – A 5th generation butcher, Todd Heller, opened his first butchery in New Brighton, Christchurch, in 1985. Today he is the founder of an iconic Kiwi brand, New Zealand’s leading bacon, ham and sausage producer, Heller Meats. The company directly employs over1000 staff, across four production plants in New Zealand and Australia. Hellers has funded the “Sausages for Schools” programme, donating over two million sausages to school fundraisers, consequently helping schools raise over $4million since 2012. Community is a priority for Hellers, with a recent contribution of 1200 pressed hams to city missions for Christmas.

Sir Ian Taylor – Sir Ian Taylor, a pioneering figure in New Zealand's tech industry, founded Animation Research Ltd. (ARL), in 1990.  After The company, headquartered in Dunedin, stands as a trailblazer in the realm of computer graphics and animation, having revolutionized sports broadcasting with cutting-edge graphics technology, notably enhancing the America’s Cup coverage. Knighted in 2021 for services to broadcasting, business and the community, Taylor’s vision expands beyond profit, with his dedication to numerous philanthropic endeavours supporting education, youth development, and environmental conservation.  

Alex Bullot, CEO of Young Enterprise Trust, says, “We are excited to honour our 2024 inductees who will share their unique tales of enterprise, hard work and triumph, having made outstanding contributions in both business and in their respective communities.”

The black-tie gala dinner by the entrepreneurial education charity, Young Enterprise Trust, honours individuals who have shaped New Zealand’s business landscape into what it is today. The celebration of success is an opportunity to highlight role models for the organisations’ students, the next generation of young entrepreneurs. On the evening, the laureates are accompanied by a Young Enterprise student, and will hear from the Young Enterprise student speaker. Bullot commented, “We see this tradition as the passing of the baton – from those that have been to those that will be. Our students leave the event tremendously inspired by both the business and philanthropic stories shared on the evening.”

ABOUT

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame is one of the premier business awards of Aotearoa.  Each year, between 6and 8 individuals are inducted into the Hall to celebrate their significant contributions to the economic and social development of Aotearoa New Zealand.  Individuals or Laureates will be formally inducted at a gala black-tie dinner on 11^th September.  For more information, visit www.businesshalloffame.co.nz.

Credit image: Sir Owen Glenn’s image – Adrian Malloch

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