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The fortunes of New Zealand’s rich have recovered in the past in line with an improving economy. The combined wealth of this year’s NBR Rich List is well up on 2010, at $45.2 billion from $38.2 billion.
This is the highest accumulation to date and follows the 2008-10 recession, in which the total dipped sharply and the global financial crisis took its toll.
In the 25 years since the first NBR Rich List was compiled, changing fortunes of individuals have been a feature. This year is no exception.
New entrants have entered, as they pass the qualifying $50 million mark, while others have exited, mainly due to the continuing decline in the property sector.
But overall the country’s leading business owners have an ability to prosper in good and bad times.
They provide ideal role models for all who wish to succeed. Their stories will be eagerly and widely read.
A common theme is their optimism about the future and a willingness to speak frankly about how a combination of hard work, persistence and dedication can pay off.
Behind their success are also stories of sacrifice, for which money may only partly compensate.
Some reveal lessons learned from failure and setbacks, common to all of life’s endeavours.
The NBR Rich List is a cause for celebration – not envy or derogation. The top wealth generators are a key contributor to social progress through the creation of jobs and providing a return on invested funds – theirs and others.
Their collective achievement should be a source of national pride as well as inspiration.
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