Two College students were given the honour of joining Rt Hon John Key at the prestigious 2014 New Zealand Business Hall of Fame induction award ceremony recently. 

Ayden Lamont and Merry Liu, both Year 12, were invited to present, Don Rowlands and Sir David Henry to the Hall for their services to business and the community. The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of New Zealand.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise students attended the black-tie gala dinner as guests of the laureates, and spoke in front of a 600-strong crowd of New Zealand’s top businessmen. They were selected as part of the Young Enterprise Trust nomination programme after the laureates had requested Saint Kentigern College as their affiliated school.

Ayden, a 1st VIII rower at the College, was proud to take an active part in ex New Zealand rower, Don Rowlands’ induction to Leadership and Governance. Don has been a longtime supporter of rowing in New Zealand, following his Commonwealth Games medal wins in 1950 and 1954. He has led some of New Zealand’s iconic companies including being appointed chief executive and director at Fisher & Paykel, managing director for Champion and chairman of Mainfreight.

Ayden said it was a great experience for him and an awesome opportunity which he was honoured to be involved in.

‘I was privileged to meet and spend time with men who helped shape New Zealand into what it is today. I will take my new experience and knowledge and apply it throughout my life, always carrying the honour of partaking in this event,’ he said.

Merry Liu presented Sir David Henry posthumously to the area of Forestry and Wood Processing. Sir David led the establishment of New Zealand’s commercial forestry industry and created Kinleith Mill, which became New Zealand's largest industrial processing complex. He created a scholarship for forestry students and was involved in a range of charitable organisations including Rotary and YMCA.

Merry said being involved in the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame ceremony was one of the best experiences she’s had this year. She said she was very honoured to be selected as the student escort for the descendants of Sir David Henry; his two grandchildren, Trust Board member, David McCullough and Mary Rutherford.

‘At the event, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing New Zealand business people, hear about their inspiring, entrepreneurial stories and had the great pleasure to be able to meet the Prime Minister,’ she said.

‘I learnt that to be a truly successful businessman, it’s not only about the connections you have and how much money you make, but about the content of one’s character. All the laureates who were inducted that evening were people who not only impressed the business world, but were also extremely diligent and caring; they had all dedicated a huge amount of time towards their community and towards inspiring others.’

Merry said being involved in the Young Enterprise Scheme has benefited her greatly and led her to many wonderful opportunities including this chance to participate in New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

‘It is definitely a co-curricular activity that I would recommend all commerce students to try out.’

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