2024 Laureates
Ranjna Patel
Ranjna Patel, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, co-founded New Zealand's largest private primary healthcare network, Tamaki Health, impacting over 300,000 patients through 50 clinics and the digital platform, Bettr. Her notable contributions extend to founding Gandhi Nivas, an innovative family harm prevention program delivering significant social returns. Awarded the QSM and ONZM for her charitable efforts, Ranjna also serves as a Trustee for the Swaminarayan Temple, promoting extensive community and social services. Her leadership in healthcare and social welfare has made her a pivotal figure in fostering community well-being and equity
Todd Heller
A 5th generation butcher, Todd Heller, opened his first butchery in New Brighton, Christchurch, in 1985. Today he is the founder of an iconic Kiwi brand, New Zealand’s leading bacon, ham and sausage producer, Heller Meats. The company directly employs over 1000 staff, across four production plants in New Zealand and Australia. Hellers has funded the “Sausages for Schools” programme, donating over two million sausages to school fundraisers, consequently helping schools raise over $4 million since 2012. Community is a priority for Hellers, with a recent contribution of 1200 pressed hams to city missions for Christmas.
Sir Mark Dunajtschik
Mark Dunajtschik, a humble man, who immigrated to New Zealand as a toolmaker in 1958 to make a new life after an extraordinary plight that saw him imprisoned by Yugoslav forces in a concentration camp under Marshall Tito rule before escaping to Germany. Once arriving in New Zealand, he set up Precision Grinders in Wellington running a toolmaking business successfully for 28 years. Retiring in 1987 he took up developing and investing in property as a hobby in central Wellington. With his hands on formula this became a very successful business, hence Mark has become one of Wellington's and New Zealand's most generous philanthropists.
Rod Duke
Rod Duke has been at the forefront of retail innovation in New Zealand as the Managing Director & Deputy Chairman of Briscoe Group since purchasing 100% ownership of the company in 1990. Today, Rod still owns 80% of the Group which encompasses 90 stores and directly employs around 2380 people across its two brands, Briscoes Homewares, and the Rebel Sport Chain, which he established in 1996. Duke is a longstanding supporter of child cancer research and support programmes with a focus on enhancing young people’s wellbeing.
Diane Foreman
Earning international accolades, Diane has made significant contributions to healthcare, manufacturing and franchising. An entrepreneur with 35 years of success, Diane was recognised as New Zealand’s 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year. Formerly CEO of Trigon Industries and founder of Emerald Group, Diane chairs Chelsea Group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of developments. She is an accomplished author and a co-founder of International Winning Woman.
Sir Owen Glenn
Since immigrating to New Zealand with his family from India in 1952, Sir Owen Glenn has distinguished himself through a variety of successful ventures spanning logistics, property development, horticulture, and investments on a global scale. Notably, he was the founder and chairman of OTS Logistics Group. In 2008 Glenn received an ONZM and in 2011 he was made a CPA Australia Honorary Fellow. Knighted in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to philanthropy, Glenn has contributed extensively to education, the arts, healthcare, and sport. His noteworthy contribution to the University of Auckland in 2002 stands as the largest private donation in New Zealand's educational history.