12 May 2006
The founder of Workchoice Trust Scoops Top Business
Excellence Prize
Roger Lampen, the man behind the Workchoice Trust, was honoured at last night's Vero Excellence in Business Support
Awards - named the overall winner of the 'individual' category for his outstanding contribution to business support in
New Zealand.
Roger established the Workchoice Trust in 1994 as a not-for-profit organisation to bridge the gap between New Zealand
businesses and schools. The Trust relies on financial support from the business community, as it receives no Government
funding.
The Trust runs an annual event - Workchoice Day - at which Year 12 students from participating schools across the
country get the opportunity to spend the day at any two organisations that interest them.
This year Workchoice Day is in its 12th year and Tuesday May 16 will see more than 6,000 students involved in learning
about their future career options.
Roger was delighted to receive the award at last night's event.
"This award is a great reflection on the effort the Workchoice Trust undertakes in developing youth and I am thrilled to
be recognised on its behalf.
"The Trust has achieved amazing results, since its establishment in 1994, with more and more New Zealand companies and
schools recognising the benefits of taking part in Workchoice Day."
Roger was Managing Director of The Lampen Group and prior to that Managing Director of Lampen Associates Ltd, a leading
executive recruitment company established in 1972. Currently, he is Chairperson of the Workchoice Trust and Geneva
Health International in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Roger's community involvement includes being a trustee of the Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Education and founding
Chairperson of the northern Life Education Trust. He also played a major role in establishing Auckland's Performing Arts
School and is a trustee of the Fledgling Trust, which supports youth development projects through the arts.
The Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards is in its second year. It offers New Zealand organisations and
individuals the opportunity to receive recognition for the quality products and/or services that they provide to help
small and medium sized businesses grow.
ENDS