This year, seven extraordinary New Zealanders are being inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame, each one representing the very best of Kiwi ambition, resilience and impact.

Behind every billion-dollar company, every industry breakthrough, every bold decision… is a human story.

Together, they span industries, generations, and journeys, but are united by one thing: they didn’t succeed in businesses, they changed what was possible in New Zealand.

Meet the 2026  New Zealand Business Hall of Fame Laureates

Carmel Fisher

Carmel Fisher CNZM is a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s investment landscape, recognised for building Fisher Funds into one of the country’s leading fund managers. Founding one of the first independent retail investment firms, she championed a people-first approach, making investing accessible and engaging for everyday “Mum and Dad” investors. Under her leadership, the business grew from $17 million to over $8 billion in funds under management. A respected director, mentor and advocate for financial literacy, Carmel has made a lasting contribution to New Zealand’s business community.

David Irving

David Irving ONZM has built a remarkable career across business, education, and entrepreneurship, with a lasting impact on New Zealand’s commercial landscape. After beginning in accounting, he spent over two decades at Wattie’s, rising to senior leadership and guiding the organisation through its transition to Heinz. Known for his bold thinking and people-centred leadership, David later became a driving force behind The Icehouse, helping shape generations of SME owners and entrepreneurs. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and education and continues to play an active role in New Zealand’s business community.  

Sir Michael Daniell

Sir Michael Daniell KNZM is an electrical engineer, business leader, and director who has played a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand’s medical technology sector. With a career spanning nearly five decades at Fisher& Paykel Healthcare, he rose from product design engineer to Managing Director and CEO, leading the company’s evolution into a global leader in respiratory and acute care. Following his executive career, he has remained active in governance and research commercialisation. Knighted for his services to business and healthcare, Sir Michael’s impact continues to be felt both in New Zealand and internationally.

Dame Rosanne Meo

Dame Rosanne Meo is a highly respected New Zealand business leader with more than three decades of board leadership across the corporate, public, and community sectors. A trailblazer for women in governance, she has chaired major organisations including Briscoes Group, AMP New Zealand, and TVNZ, and was the first woman to chair both a State-Owned Enterprise and an NZX-listed company. Widely recognised for her strategic leadership and impact, Dame Rosanne continues to champion strong governance through her work in business, the arts, and community organisations, while also mentoring future leaders.

Sir Robert McLeod

Sir Robert McLeod is a distinguished tax practitioner and governance leader who has played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s economic policy and commercial landscape. He chaired the Government Tax Review in 2001 and served on the Capital Markets Taskforce in 2008, contributing to national policy on economic competitiveness and governance. A champion of Māori economic development, Sir Rob has held leadership roles across major organisations including Aotearoa Fisheries, Tainui Group Holdings, and Quayside Holdings, and currently serves as Chairman of Sanford, supporting the growth of New Zealand’s seafood industry.

Naomi Ballantyne

Naomi Ballantyne ONZM is a pioneering leader in New Zealand’s life insurance industry, with over 42 years of experience shaping the sector. As Founder and Managing Director of Partners Life from 2010 until her retirement in March 2024, she built one of the country’s leading insurers and became the first female founder in New Zealand to sell a start-up for over $1 billion. Widely recognised for her impact, Naomi has received numerous honours and awards. She now focuses on governance, global strategy consulting, mentoring entrepreneurs, and expanding her work as a public speaker.

Tom Sturgess

Tom Sturgess, Nelson-based businessman and philanthropist, is involved in leadership roles in agribusiness, manufacturing, distribution and venture capital with a focus on regenerative and climate friendly business practices. His businesses employ hundreds of New Zealanders; Sturgess is committed to developing core values and identifying, enhancing and rewarding talent in team members. Sturgess is also a significant supporter of charitable organisations that contribute constructively to communities here, in the US and world-wide.

Why this matters now

At a time when New Zealand, and the world, is navigating economic uncertainty, rapid change, and shifting definitions of success, these stories offer something rare: perspective.

They remind us that progress is not accidental. It is built – step by step – by people willing to think differently, act boldly and stay the course.

From Legacy to the Next Generation

Across Aotearoa more than 5,000 young people each year step into their own entrepreneurial journeys through the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme, part of a 45-year legacy that has shaped over 100,000 alumni.

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame was created by Young Enterprise Trust with a clear purpose: to show young people what is possible. Because the stories we celebrate today become the possibilities young people believe in tomorrow.

At the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame Awards on 6 August 2026, each laureate will be introduced by a Young Enterprise student – a powerful passing the torch between those who have built New Zealand’s legacy, and those who will shape its future.

In the coming days, deeper stories from each laureate will be shared, revealing the risks, challenges, and defining moments behind their success.

Be Part of the Moment

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame Awards will be held on 6 August 2026 at Cordis in Auckland, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and future changemakers from across Aotearoa.

A limited number of tickets and tables are available now.

This is more than an event, it’s a rare opportunity to be in the room with people who have shaped New Zealand’s business story, and those who will write its next chapter.

Tickets and table bookings can be secured at businesshalloffame.co.nz.