Fisher & Paykel’s former chief named Distinguished Alumni

Former long-serving Fisher & Paykel chief John Bongard ONZM is among the Distinguished Alumni to be honoured by the University of Auckland at a gala dinner this month (7 March).

He will receive one of four Distinguished Alumni Awards, which acknowledge inspirational graduates for their outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, New Zealand, and internationally.

A Distinguished Alumni Award is one of the highest honours to be bestowed by the University.

Mr Bongard is the former Chief Executive and Managing Director of Fisher & Paykel Appliances, and received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland in 1982.

He is recognised not only for his 36-year career at the well-known New Zealand company, where he was instrumental in its successful global expansion, but also for his charity work.

“I was both surprised and delighted to learn that I had been recognised with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Auckland. Throughout my career I have worked with some amazing people who have helped me as either mentors, leaders or peers, and my time at university certainly prepared me well for my career particularly in my every day dealings with people, strategic thinking, teamwork and decision making,” Mr Bongard says.

In 2009 Mr Bongard left Fisher and Paykel to focus on his health after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

His attention soon turned to giving back. Mr Bongard holds a number of community roles, a stand-out being as founder and chairman of the Rising Foundation, which helps at-risk South Auckland youth reach their full potential.

More than 1500 young people have been through the Foundation, receiving mentoring and life skills to help them map out a positive future and guide them into employment or tertiary education.

Students like Wendy Savieti are typical of the scheme. Of Tongan/Cook Island descent, Wendy joined the Rising Foundation in 2012 while at Papakura High School. The foundation supported her development as a leader, culminating with Wendy taking up the roles of Head Prefect for 2016, leader for the Tongan Cultural group and member of the Papakura Youth Council. She is now studying a conjoint Arts and Commerce degree at the University of Auckland.

Many who have benefitted from the Rising Foundation come from similar circumstances to Mr Bongard, who was raised by a single mother in South Auckland state housing.

“I was very blessed to have been raised by the most loving and caring Mum in a happy environment. State house living was no picnic though, and it certainly reinforced my belief that kids from less affluent families have just as much to offer our community as those from wealthier families,” says Mr Bongard, who started the Rising Foundation with his wife Diane.

This year marks the 10th year of the Foundation’s operation in South Auckland.

“It is a most rewarding experience to watch our kids go from our Programme to tertiary education, trades and other fulltime employment,” Mr Bongard adds.

More than 400 guests are expected to attend the Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner in a pavilion on the lawn of Old Government House at the University’s City Campus.

The winners will also take part in the “Bright Lights” panel discussion event at the Orange Coronation Hall in Eden Terrace the evening before. Bright Lights is a candid, chat show style event showcasing the recipients’ stories.

Mr Bongard will receive his award alongside three other 2019 recipients: world-leading reconstructive plastic surgeon Simon Talbot (BHB 1998, MBChB 2001); musician and indigenous role-model Moana Maniapoto (MNZM, LLB 1984); and Young Alumnus of the Year William Pike (BEd Tchg 2007, BEd Tchg Hons 2008), who after losing a leg during the 2007 eruption of Mt Ruapehu went on to establish a nationwide youth resilience and development programme.

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