Induction of candidates to the Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame

I'd like to acknowledge the President of the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, Stuart McLauchlan, Napier Mayor, Barbara Arnott, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Napier, Chris Bain, fellow MPs, Craig Foss, Chris Tremain, and Stuart Nash, and ladies and gentlemen for being here tonight to recognise four extraordinary men.

The Chamber's decision to begin this Hall of Fame last year is to be congratulated.

As Minister of Commerce I believe it's important we recognise and celebrate our leaders.

As a student of politics, and a Member of Parliament, leadership is a subject I have given a lot of thought to.

And, spending 9 years in opposition gave me more time than most to refine my ideas on the subject.

When times are tough we look to out leaders for guidance and vision.

Whether they are drawn from the political, business or social sphere we expect our leaders to be able to articulate a clear path back to prosperity.

Some say leaders are born.

I do not buy this line.

I believe that every person can take their life into their own hands and make what they want of it.

Each of the four men inducted into the Hawke's Bay Business Hall of Fame this evening, did just that.

These men built up their empires and in doing so were fundamental in growing Hawke's Bay into the thriving region it is today.

They were transformational leaders.

They took chances, they did not wait for things to happen, they made them happen.

Each is a perfect example of that.

In 1885, Nathaniel Kettle left his job as an accountant to form stock and station company Williams and Kettle with Frederick Williams. The business flourished thanks to Kettle's outgoing and generous nature and his astute judgment. The region benefited from his successful business and he also gave back to the community by serving as President of the Napier Chamber of Commerce and the Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society.

It's fitting that his business partner, the late Frederick Williams, is also recognised tonight. On identifying that shipping would be a key factor in future business success he became actively involved in developing the Port of Napier. He gave back as the Mayor of Napier from 1902 to 1904.

Both men's success has been enduring with Williams and Kettle living on today within Wrightsons.

Tonight's third inductee, William Nelson, is best known for establishing the Tomoana Freezing Works. Like Williams, he too realised that regular shipping would be essential for his business and the region to grow. He took matters into his own hands by venturing to London in 1887 to secure a deal with the Tyser Line to start calling at the Port of Napier. When he died the impact he had on the community was obvious, with him receiving the name ‘The Father of the Hawke's Bay.'

Last but not least, we honour Sir Russell Pettigrew who we are lucky enough to have with us here tonight. This is a man who perhaps more than the other three, wasted no time. He returned from World War Two on a Friday, purchased a delivery business over the weekend, and opened shop on Monday. It was a pace he was to maintain. In 1964 he formed transport giant Freightways and also found time to serve as a director of 14 organisations. Sir Russell was awarded a knighthood in 1982 for his services to the transport industry, sport, and the community.

What I admire about these men is that they made time to give back to their community, while giving so much to boost the local economy and employ local people. Perhaps it is that community service that more than anything contributed to their induction to the Hawke's Bay Business Hall of Fame.

So it's fitting tonight that the community gives back to them.

To the families of the three men who have passed away, and to the family of Sir Russell Pettigrew you can be very proud of their achievements.

Ladies and gentleman, New Zealand needs more leaders and entrepreneurs like Nathaniel Kettle, Frederick Williams, William Nelson and Sir Russell Pettigrew.

Thank you.