Who are the entrepreneurs behind the scenes of New Zealand's most important sector? They are a diverse group of individuals who run very different businesses and subscribe to very different definitions of success. All of them can be said to be taking an exciting journey, both as individuals and as business owners.
Here you can find four case studies telling the stories of four well known New Zealand entrepreneurs.
Woodworker and entrepreneur, Peter King, is ensuring that the family business - manufacturing wooden bench tops and worktops - has every opportunity to involve a fifth generation. With its roots established in the nineteenth century, the business has progressed through successive generations of Peter's family almost by default rather than any careful succession planning.
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Basing her home and business on a 27-acre block at Te Horo, north of Wellington, Ruth Pretty is passionate about life and her catering business. The fact that her husband, Paul, is also an integral part of the business means that the dimensions of her life are woven into a whole. Ruth Pretty combines the cool and practical approach needed to succeed in her industry with an infectious zest for life.
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Innovation and determination have seen Simon Barnett's business go from strength to strength. A manufacturer of equipment for hockey goalkeepers, Simon is adamant that the only way for this company is forward. His belief in his product, and in his own ability, has ensured that the pursuit of business success has been a fulfilling path.
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The mad butcher is an individual passionate about life - and business. Peter Leitch started his business over thirty years ago around a basic premise- 'providing quality meat at reasonable prices.' His charisma and reputation have only benefited his business endeavours, this success of which have allowed him to make significant contributions to two other consuming passions in his life, namely, sport and his community.
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