Bill Buckley, inducted into the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame

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Bill Buckley named as 2013 Flying Kiwi

Buckley Systems founder, Bill Buckley, inducted into the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame

Tuesday 19 November 2013, Auckland, New Zealand – The newest inductee to New Zealand’s Hi-Tech Hall of Fame is Bill Buckley, founder and President of Buckley Systems Ltd. Bill was announced as the 2013 Flying Kiwi at a celebratory lunch in Auckland today, attended by a fellow Flying Kiwis and members of the New Zealand Hi-Tech industry.

The Flying Kiwi award recognises Bill’s lifetime of achievement in the technology industry in engineering, business and export and the founder of Buckley Systems Limited (BSL).

BSL is the world’s leading supplier of precision electromagnets – used in the manufacture of silicon chips, flat-panel screens, high-end medical machinery and particle accelerators. Remarkably, the company supplies machinery used in the manufacture of more than 90% of the world’s silicon chips.

Speaking at the event, NZ Hi-Tech Trust chairman, Wayne Norrie said “Bill Buckley’s achievements, like those of all our Flying Kiwis, are nothing short of incredible. His philosophy on business and life is truly one to admire. Bill says:”

“It’s no good doing what anyone can do. You have to go after the stuff that is too complicated for the average engineer so you can be Johnny on the spot when the demand hits.”

“That’s a philosophy he has followed, and continues to follow, with great passion, commitment and drive. It’s led him to create a company at the very forefront of technology innovation globally. Today, BSL is building products that are powering the innovations of tomorrow in areas such as computing and healthcare from right here in New Zealand.”

James Kyd, Chief Marketing Officer of Tait Communications, sponsors of the Flying Kiwi Award, said

“Like all our Flying Kiwis, Bill is humble, and unassuming, and outside of people in this industry, few New Zealanders would be aware of his fantastic achievements. Which is why it’s so important we celebrate our Flying Kiwis and tell their stories more widely.”

From an early age, Bill Buckley was driven by a fascination with technology and a desire to build things. He took an early interest in nuclear physics, and his curiosity and passion drove him to establish his first company in 1978.

In 1986, Bill setup Buckley Systems Ltd with the intention of pursuing a global market opportunity in the supply of precision electromagnets. Today the company employs more than 300 people and is a global technology leader exporting its products to customers around the world from its headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand.

During the course of his career to date, Bill Buckley has won many awards including:

• Twice being named New Zealand Trade Exporter of the Year

• Receiving the Ernst & Young New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2011

• Being a finalist for New Zealander of the Year in 2013

• Receiving the NZ Order of Merit in 2013 for his services to technology, business and motorsport.

Bill’s passion drives both his work and private life. Outside of work he is well known in the motor-racing community where he has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Western Springs Speedway, and can often be found grooming the track in preparation for racing.

Members of The Hi-Tech Hall of Fame:

• 2013 Bill Buckley

• 2012 Sir Ken Stevens

• 2011 Brent Robinson

• 2010 Paul Hargreaves

• 2009 Selwyn Pellett

• 2009 Rod Drury

• 2008 Dennis Chapman

• 2008 Ian Taylor

• 2008 Sir Gil Simpson

• 2007 Trevor Eagle

• 2007 Sir William Gallagher

• 2006 Sir Peter Maire

• 2005 Sir Woolf Fisher and Maurice Paykel

• 2004 Neville Jordan

• 2003 Sir Angus Tait

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