Waikato’s own toy story and AGM

Harry Mowbray

Harry Mowbray was born and educated in Hamilton and completed a Bachelor of Science at Waikato University. While he was there he distracted himself buying and working on cars and motorcycles. He graduated debt-free and the owner of a late model, Mark 2 Jaguar and multiple motorcycles. Not long after, while working at Kinleith Pulp and Paper mill, he co-built a house, established a pine plantation and purchased a run-down farm. An engineering and consulting company in the Pulp and Paper industry followed. This entrepreneurial spirit led him years later to buy and develop the derelict Matangi Dairy Factory, which now houses 28 businesses.

It also rubbed off on Harry’s children. After helping his 10-year old son Mathew develop a model hot air balloon which won a number of competitions and science fairs, Guru Toys (Later changed to Zuru) was born. Balloons were shipped around the world while Mathew was at St Peters. Now two of Harry’s sons and daughter run one of the world’s largest toy companies, Zuru Toys, which is based in China,  employs 5,500 people and 13,500 permanent contractors.

In 2004 Harry and his son Andrew developed pay wave system for festivals and called the company AWOP, another success story.

Meanwhile, Harry now runs one of NZ's largest organic dairy farms in Tokoroa and is one of the founding farmers in the new organic dairy farming co-operative, The Organic Dairy Hub.

Table of 10

A table of ten booking is $600.00.

Any enquiries, or to book a table for 10, please email Megan Beveridge, Waikato Branch Manager.

Additional information

COVID-19

We have been monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and are keeping up to date with Ministry of Health guidance with regard to events and public gatherings. All our events are still running as per schedule. However, we do ask that anyone attending one of our events follows current Ministry of Health recommendations.

More information, including countries or areas of concern, can be found on the Ministry of Health website

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.

See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Megan beveridge
Wellington Branch Manager

+64 21 358 772
waikato.branch@iod.org.nz

Event sponsor

Our sponsors

The Waikato branch acknowledges the generous support of