Kiwis To Vote For Most Chivalrous Business Person

Kiwis To Vote For Most Chivalrous Business Person In NBR/Chivas 08 Chivalry Awards

Voting is now open to find New Zealand’s most chivalrous business person in the inaugural NBR/Chivas 08 Chivalry Awards.

For the next six weeks, NBR and Chivas Regal will be calling for the public to vote online - at www.nbr.co.nz/chivas - for one of six successful award contenders, all leaders in their respective industries, and selected for their chivalrous characteristics.

“The six candidates have demonstrated chivalrous qualities such as courage, spirit of adventure, generosity, integrity or bravery outside the business arena,” explains NBR editor, Nevil Gibson.

“All are worthy recipients for the enviable title of Most Chivalrous Business Person of 2008. Each deserves to be acknowledged for not only their leadership qualities but also their ability to inspire Kiwis with a code of behaviour that sets them apart from others,” says Gibson.

Voting for the NBR/Chivas 08 Chivalry Awards has now started, and voters go in the draw to win one of twelve Chivas Regal limited edition gift packs specially designed by internationally acclaimed New York based architect, Evan Douglis.

This year’s six candidates include:

Peter Leitch - Butcher turned philanthropist
Who is that man who created a multi million dollar business but is standing at the barbecue personally cooking the sausages to raise money for kids with glue ear? He’s Peter Leitch, the Mad Butcher and a man with a great deal of sizzle. While he sold the Mad Butcher chain some time ago after a long career building it up from a single store, Peter continues to oversee the many projects for the charity he started, Mad Butcher Community Trust, where he raises significant sums for needy causes. Mr Leitch’s shining quality is generosity.

Bob Harvey – Waitakere City Mayor and “film star”
If the council misses collecting the rubbish of his citizens, this Waitakere Mayor will go and pick it up himself. He’s Bob Harvey, arguably the country’s most famous ‘Westie’. This highly successful businessman decided at the beginning of the 1990s to help create wealth and health for other people and give them a better environment in which to live.

Bob and his council supporters have created New Zealand’s first eco city, fighting for protection of the ranges from sub-dividers, and for the beaches of the city to remain unspoiled among other things. By promoting Waitakere City as a place to make movies and TV series, he has also created jobs for the people of Auckland. Mr Harvey’s shining quality is honour.

Gary Paykel – Business Mogul and a gentleman
An upset woman once found Gary Paykel’s home phone number and called him to say her Fisher & Paykel washer was faulty. “Bring your washing round to my place,” said this New Zealand businessman.

Chairman of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Gary Paykel is as well known to the people on his factory floors as he is to those in his boardroom. There is many a charity that has Gary to thank for funds raised or donated. All who know him says he is a thorough gentleman. His particular quality is generosity.

Peter Tennent – New Plymouth Mayor and entrepreneur for the people
Taranaki is arguably one of the fastest-developing regions in the country and one of the driving forces behind it is Peter Tennent, businessman and hardworking New Plymouth Mayor. As well as fostering businesses, Peter has succeeded in pulling big names like Elton John to perform in the town. This powerhouse of a man is just as happy to pull you a beer at the bar of his own hotel. His particular quality is courtesy.

Peter Gillespie - Self made businessman who loves a bet
A racing man known to go into his company’s warehouse and tell employees: “There’s a horse running in five minutes that’s got your name and $5 on it. If it wins the money’s yours.” He’s EziBuy’s eternally generous Peter Gillespie. His colleagues say he is so generous to charity they often have to rein him back. His particular quality is his willingness to help causes.

Sukhi Turner - Businesswoman who gives free cooking lessons
Indian-born Sukhi Turner is a consummate businesswoman with a massive record in public and charitable service. As former Mayor of Dunedin and an Otago entrepreneur, Sukhi Turner has helped foster several Dunedin business units including its bus fleet and forests. She juggles her full schedule with a host of charity work, yet she’s never too busy to stop and tell anyone who is interested how to make a decent curry. Ms Turner’s particular quality is courtesy.

Votes for the NBR/Chivas 2008 Chivalry Awards close off on Tuesday 16th of December and the overall award recipient will be announced in the NBR on Friday, 19th December.

So, get your votes in and let’s raise a glass of Chivas Regal and celebrate a life of Chivalry!

ENDS

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