Tonight we recognise a leader whose influence reaches far beyond the businesses he has helped build.

For almost five decades, he has backed people and created opportunities in the region he calls home. He has helped grow an intergenerational family enterprise into a diverse group of companies employing hundreds of staff, while building a culture where looking after people is part of doing business.

That care has opened doors for young people to access education, and supported families facing illness and hardship. What began with staff passing the hat around became a foundation that made giving part of everyday working life.

When Cyclone Gabrielle struck, that foundation brought businesses, people and resources together, raising $3.6 million distributed directly to communities to help them recover. His ongoing support for workplace mental health, local community organisations and people rebuilding their lives has reached across Hawke’s Bay.

The story began in 1975 –  from humble beginnings in a timber yard in Dannevirke, to building a group of business across multiple sectors including timber processing, import and distribution, property, retirement villages and financial services. His service to business and philanthropy has since earned him appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

A driving force behind Tumu and founder of The Evergreen Foundation, this year’s Hawke’s Bay Leader of the Year is …

John O’Sullivan.