Paul Morgan (Ngāti Rārua, Te Māhurehure) has been announced as one of nine New Zealand business leaders to be inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
Paul is widely respected at home and globally as a Māori leader, lobbyist and entrepreneur who has been at the centre of economic development and political advocacy for Māori for over 30 years.
The award recognises the work that Paul has done over many years for the whānau of Wakatū leading the Wakatū Board, as well as his significant contribution to many other sectors across Aoteaora and internationally.
He has been closely involved with a range of Māori rights and interests issues involving natural resources, including fishing, aquaculture and forestry. In particular he has been a strong advocate for Māori land owners and Māori business.
Paul has been on the board of Wakatū Incorporation since 1986 and Chair since 2001. His experience as a director and in governance roles spans both the public and private sectors across agribusiness, property, science, innovation, entrepreneurial start-ups and business generally. Current roles include an appointment to Kahui Wai Māori – the Māori Freshwater Forum, and director of Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga, the High Value Nutrition Science Challenge.
He was awarded a QSO for services to Māori business in the New Years’ Honours in 2010.
Paul is passionate about his whānau and whānau whānui and investing in and building a new future for the generations to come. He is strongly committed to developing the next generation of leaders and supporting the learning and development of rangatahi.
He believes in making a positive difference in the Māori community and to Aotearoa as a whole.
The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of Aotearoa.
The selection process is run by an independent selection panel, which is chaired by Sir Eion Edgar and includes Norm Thompson, Michael Barnett and Anne Norman.
Paul will be officially inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame at a gala evening on 25 March 2021.