Sir Eion "humbled" by recognition as Senior New Zealander of the Year
Thursday 4 February 2010, 11:23AM
By Queenstown Resort College
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Queenstown-based businessman Sir Eion Edgar said today (Thursday February 4) he was “humbled” to be recognised as the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year in a national awards ceremony.
Sir Eion, 65, speaking following the Auckland gala awards presentation on Wednesday night, won the award for his lifetime of philanthropic service.
“It was an amazing night because it recognised a great variety of people across all sectors of the community, and I was proud to be amongst those,” he said.
Sir Eion said there were many other people who “did a lot of good” who were not always recognised for their work.
“Hopefully this award will alert people to the fact that they can get a lot of pleasure out of helping organisations, as I do.”
Sir Eion said he was looking forward to spending more time working with Queenstown Resort College, of which he is chairman and founder. He is also involved with a full range of education, youth, health, community trusts and financial organisations of which he is either chairman, trustee or board member.
As part of his award, Sir Eion received a $5,000 donation towards his work from principal sponsor Kiwibank.
“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with the money as yet, but it may be going to Diabetes Research or something in Queenstown. I certainly will be spending it and probably adding to it because I’ve already made some serious commitments to helping out organisations such as the Wakatipu Trails Trust.”
Queenstown Resort College CEO Charlie Phillips said if Sir Eion’s contribution to the college was anything to measure him by, then he thoroughly deserved the award.
“The faith, financial support and personal involvement he has demonstrated for such a pioneering enterprise as QRC has been amazing, and to do this in such a positive and proactive way is something you can’t help but admire.
“Without Sir Eion, QRC and many other enterprises would not exist, meaning New Zealand is a better place with him in it.”