• 2018 North Harbour Business Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Steve Newman, Ken Noble and Dave McAlpine.
  • Brian Gaynor of Milford Asset Management.

New Laureates for the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame

In early August, the North Harbour Club hosted a black tie event at the Spencer on Byron Hotel to induct three new Laureates in to the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. Each new laureate was selected for their significant contributions to the region, in business and the community. Those inducted were Steven Newman, David McAlpine and Ken Noble.

Phil Brosnan, President of the North Harbour Club, had this to say in his opening remarks, "I am delighted that we are once again hosting this annual event, having taken over the management of the Business Hall of Fame back in 2015. This has developed significantly over the past three years. Today we continue to see the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame as being a great match with the club's ongoing programme of rewarding excellence in our region.’

To be considered for induction to the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame, a nominee must be a current successful business leader, whom has applied their skills and success to also benefit the community. Nominations are open on an ongoing basis and Laureates are inducted annually.

Guests at the dinner were treated to two guest speakers, Brian Gaynor of Milford Asset Management – the key event sponsor of the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame – and AIMES Alumni and North Harbour Club Ambassador Cam Calkoen.

The 2018 North Harbour Business Hall of Fame inductees:-

Steven Newman has been in senior management from a young age, working to stabilise and grow companies like Hennessy Grading Systems and Navman. He is currently CEO/Director of ERoad, which he joined in 2007. He has been instrumental in growing that business to a turnover of $52m, employing more than 240 staff. EROAD is seen as a global leader in regulatory telematics including road taxes, driver fatigue management, health and safety compliance and fleet management. Although not one to look for recognition or thanks they avoid the limelight that is often associated with philanthropy, Steven and his family are very generous in giving back to the community in which they live.  

David McAlpine founded Kea Property Group in 1980. Since that time he has gone on to grow Kea to be the dominant developer in the North Harbour region. In 1985, David made the decision to focus solely on commercial and industrial development and have no involvement in residential property or run a construction company, which he has adhered to, to this day. With a business partner of 20 years Zane Gifford, they have completed 254,000m² of new buildings, 95% in the North Harbour region, the roof area would cover over 42 rugby fields and the value is in excess of $1.2billion. 325 North Shore companies occupy Kea buildings. During this time, David has served on the boards of North Shore Soccer, Team North Harbour and as a Trustee of North Harbour Stadium. As the Kea business has developed over the last 35 years, so has David’s philanthropic work.

Ken Noble left school at 16. His first employer had enough confidence in him, that at 17 he offered Ken a Sales Representative role, that was the stepping stone Ken needed to launch him into a career in sales. In 1972 he started his own firm G.P. Healthcare. Ken and his wife Sue worked in the business together, and 23 years later with 64 employees they sold the company to Invacare, a multi-national. Ken is currently the Chairman of Allied Medical, a business he started 20 years ago with his daughter Katie, who is the Managing Director.  The company employs 27 people and is involved in the distribution and customisation of assistive technology products. Ken has always been involved in both the community and his industry sector through the likes of serving on School Board of Trustees, Community Service Clubs and has chaired an industry association. He has been a mentor for Business Mentors New Zealand since 2008 and has mentored in excess of 50 business owners during this time, providing a huge benefit to them. Over the last five years Ken has been a Trustee for the North Shore Hospice.

For more information visit: www.northharbourclub.co.nz