Auckland City Council
Media release

9 October 2008

Mayor to honour outstanding Aucklander

This evening, Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks will honour the achievements of one of New Zealand’s most successful and respected business leaders, Gary Albert Paykel, with a Distinguished Citizen Award.

Gary Paykel has devoted his life to building the global appliance and healthcare companies that bear his family name, Fisher and Paykel Appliances and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, while behind the scenes has changed many lives through his charitable work.

“Gary Paykel proved it was possible to create a great New Zealand brand based on innovation and quality and then take it to the world,” says Mayor Banks.

“He is widely recognised as one of the country’s top business leaders and is known for his down-to-earth nature.

“He is not only a great businessman, he is also a great benefactor. Mr Paykel is truly a distinguished citizen of this city.”

Mr Paykel is patron of the Eastern Bays Hospice and trustee of the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust, dedicated to the advancement of the health sciences in New Zealand. He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 and is also director of Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is Auckland City Council's highest honour. Established in 2003 to recognise Aucklanders who have made an outstanding contribution to their country and city, past recipients include Sir Edmund Hillary, Jenny Gibbs, Sir Hugh Kawharu, Professor Peter Gluckman, and C K Stead.

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