Graeme Hart

Graeme Hart being interviewed at the Business Hall of Fame. New Zealand's richest man says there's no reason why young people today couldn't do what he has done ...

“We want those selected for induction to be role models for others to inspire the next generation of business leaders.” While these are business awards, we believe the Laureates are being put up as role models and you cannot be a role model without being a great community leader. “That appetite for risk – the courage, the conviction to take the opportunities as they present themselves to you. “His contribution goes well beyond the last 15 years. “They were across industries, geographies, time, ethnicities, and gender. Sometimes, it might be several years later or even up to a decade later.” “This is just a blessing from Mum and Dad, I guess. “My market was Auckland, New Zealand but today anyone, particularly starting in tech, the world is your oyster.” “The world is growing, capital markets are way more sophisticated.” I had an absolute passion for business, a very strong commercial acumen. There’s plenty of smart guys, plenty of money around but if you don’t have the ability to take the opportunity - and it will often be uncertain to you and often as scary as all hell - that’s important.” And he expanded global packaging and consumer products group Reynolds to reach revenue of more than $20 billion, with 40,000 employees across about 400 facilities in 50 countries – all owned and controlled from Auckland.