Sir Stephen Tindall
GNZM, DistFInstD, Dip Mgt, FNZIM, HonD, Dcom Honoris Causa
In 1982 Sir Stephen founded The Warehouse Group Ltd, now a $3bn retail enterprise, and his personal goal is to help New Zealanders realise their full potential for the overall benefit of the country.
In 1994 he founded The Tindall Foundation to improve the performance of families, community and the environment. This includes supporting community-based initiatives that create employment and encourage enterprise; supporting the environment and preserving biodiversity; and promote generosity and giving on a 'hand-up not hand-out' basis. The Foundation has donated over $200m after paying $150m in tax
Sir Stephen has invested over $400m in seed and venture capital through K1W1 Ltd and other vehicles into over 200 start-up and early stage businesses ranging from biotech, environmental technology, green energy, electronics, high tech and software and other high export potential businesses.
He is the immediate past Chair for Emirates Team New Zealand, New Zealand’s winning America’s Cup sailing team, where he has had a long association with the team since 1995 and is currently the ETNZ Sustainability Ambassador. As a result he has co-invested with the team in building and now using the world’s first hydrogen foiling chase boat.
In 2019 he was awarded the Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit amongst many other awards recognising his vision and leadership over the years.
Sir Stephen was New Zealander of the year in 2015.