Branson gives Kiwis tips to make it to the top

Media release
21 October 2011

Branson gives Kiwis tips to make it to the top

Sir Richard Branson gave New Zealand business owners a unique insight into his take on success, sharing some of his secrets about maximising opportunities at a fundraising dinner in Auckland last night.

In his first ever publicly ticketed event in New Zealand, the internationally renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist addressed 1,362 of New Zealand’s business elite for over an hour at an exclusive VIP banquet celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Outward Bound New Zealand.

“It’s great to be back in Auckland. I love coming here and can’t think of a better time to be here than during the Rugby World Cup,” said Branson.

“The people I have met here have really reaffirmed what I have always thought about New Zealand. There is a wealth of talented and unique businesses in Auckland that are thriving both domestically and on the international stage. For a small country, New Zealanders are certainly pushing the boundaries on the innovation front. ”

Mayor Len Brown, who opened the evening with a welcoming address, said the appearance would inspire further innovation from Auckland businesses.

“Having the opportunity to hear from a global entrepreneur of Sir Richard Branson’s status is a rare treat for Auckland business-owners and is testament to the level of interest in the Rugby World Cup and the calibre of our city,” says Len Brown.

“For the new Auckland to prosper we need to embody the spirit of entrepreneurship which Sir Richard has made famous.”

“For 50 years Outward Bound has taught young kiwis the spirit of teamwork, respect, courage and adventure. They are qualities that Sir Richard has built his empire upon and it is apt that the proceeds from this event will go to such a worthy cause,” he says

As a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Richard Branson founded companies including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue, and Virgin Active, which employ over 40,000 people across 30 countries with revenues exceeding $NZ25 billion. Sir Richard is perhaps equally as recognised for his successful world record attempts at the fastest crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, by boat and balloon, as well as his record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle.

It was fitting then that he was the speaker at this event which marked the 50th Anniversary of Outward Bound New Zealand and raised over $350,000 for the organisation.

Gary Whetton, former All Black and spokesperson for Outward Bound, attended the dinner and praised the event.

“With over 50,000 New Zealanders having completed an Outward Bound course, the 50th Anniversary year is a celebration of what has been achieved,” says Gary.

“Outward Bound is grateful that funds raised from this gala dinner will go towards helping to ensure Outward Bound continues to develop Kiwis for another 50 years.”

MC Martin Bayfield, globally recognised as one of the world’s finest Master of Ceremonies, said the atmosphere at the event was electric.

“It was a dynamic evening with New Zealand’s top business minds all in the same room. I have no doubt that Branson left a long-lasting impression as he was a very powerful speaker,” said Bayfield.

Each VIP table at the event had a celebrity host from the likes of Rachael Hunter, Frank Bunce, Sean Fitzpatrick, Josh Kronfeld and Martin Bayfield. VIP attendees included New Zealander Josh Bayliff, co-CEO of Virgin Group Worldwide, and renowned British fashion doyen, Elizabeth Emanuel, who designed the late Princess Diana’s wedding dress. Chris Liddell, former Vice Chairman and CFO of General Motors and SVP and CFO of Microsoft,also attended.

“Auckland is fired up at the moment hosting the final stages of a magnificent Rugby World Cup Tournament. The city is showcasing to the world what it is made of both on and off the sporting field,” commented Chris.
The event was held on Thursday 20 October at Auckland’s new state of the art Viaduct Events Centre and featured the best of Auckland’s regional cuisine, wine and performance.

It was proudly sponsored by principal sponsor, BNZ plus Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, TVNZ, Audi, The New Zealand Herald and MediaWorks, and presented by New Zealand’s foremost event company, Duco Events.

Ends

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