Former F&P director honoured

JOHN SELKIRK

HONOURED: John Bongard says he did the right thing by stepping down from his chief executive role.

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Former Fisher & Paykel Appliances chief executive John Bongard believes he did the right thing in stepping down from the role this year.

After he was last year diagnosed with prostate cancer, on medical advice Mr Bongard retired, two months short of 36 years with the company.

He was appointed managing director of Fisher & Paykel Appliances when the company was split into appliance and healthcare streams in 1973.

He has now been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in the New Year's Honours List.

Mr Bongard said he felt very humble about the honour.

"It was most unexpected. I guess I feel pretty good about it, and I am thankful for the people that I have worked with over the years who helped me do what I have done."

Since stepping down Mr Bongard was "enjoying retirement".

He is playing more golf but is also now on the board of Netball New Zealand and getting involved with local charities in South Auckland, where he lives.

"I miss most of the people but role no, because I knew I had to give it away for health reasons, that had to come number one."

"I have got to say I think it was the right thing. The tests have improved quite dramatically."

Another businessman battling cancer has also been recognised in the honours list.

Wellington's Lloyd Morrison has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business.

The Infratil chief executive has spent most of this year in Seattle with his family, fighting leukaemia.

Mr Morrison founded HRL Morrison in 1988, a specialist investment management company.

His roles include directorships of Auckland International Airport, Fisher Funds Management, Infratil and TrustPower.

He is also involved with Chamber Music New Zealand, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and is founder and patron of Wellington High Performance Aquatics.

- NZPA