Giants of business to feature in the Port of Napier Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame

Media Statement
July 9th, 2010

Four pioneers of Hawke’s Bay business will be inducted into the Port of Napier Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame in a special ceremony with the Minister of Commerce Simon Power, at Mission Estate next Thursday.

Business partners Nathaniel Kettle and Frederick (FW) Williams are renowned for their legendary stock and station company Williams and Kettle Limited, formed in 1891. William Nelson is best known for establishing the Tomoana Freezing Works in 1883 while Sir Russell Pettigrew was knighted for services to transport including the formation of Freightways in 1964.

Sir Russell Pettigrew is the only living inductee and will be at next week’s ceremony to receive the accolade. Family members of the other inductees have been invited to attend.

In order to further promote the spirit of business the Chamber of Commerce last year established the Port of Napier Hawke’s Bay Business Hall of Fame.

Jim Scotland, Port of Napier Chairman, explains the Hall of Fame provides a gallery of role models for the coming generations.

“The Port of Napier Business Hall of Fame gives us a wonderful means of recognising enterprising Hawke’s Bay leaders.. It provide’s a focal point for enterprise and to reinforce that business provides the employment through which people  and the community prosper.”

Chamber CEO Murray Douglas noted that the criteria for selection into the Hall included putting a Hawke’s Bay business “on the map”.

“Nominees will have made a significant impact on Hawke’s Bay society and economy through enterprise over the last 150 years and will have demonstrated community responsibility and involvement” he said.

Mr Douglas acknowledged the involvement of the Port as the oldest continuously operating corporate business in Hawke’s Bay.

 “It is very appropriate that the Port is involved in the ongoing support of the Hall of Fame.”

Last year’s inductees were Sir James Wattie CBE, Graeme Lowe QSM, CNZM, James Nelson (JN) Williams and Robert Holt.

The Hall of Fame induction is being held on July 15 at Mission Estate, Taradale, 5.30pm – 7pm. Entry is by invitation only.

About the inductees:

Nathaniel Kettle  (1854–1940) left his job as accountant for Murray Common & Co in 1885 to form a partnership with F W Williams. Their stock and station company, Williams & Kettle Limited, was founded in 1891 and flourished in no small part to Nat Kettle’s outgoing, generous nature and astute judgment of farm land and stock. While Nat spent most of his time travelling and visiting farmers, he served as president of the Napier Chamber of Commerce and the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural & Pastoral Society.

Frederick W (F W) Williams (1854–1940) started work as a shipping agent in 1880; the business eventually became stock and station firm Williams and Kettle Limited in 1891. His financial skills greatly contributed to the growth of the business. Identifying that shipping would be a key factor in future business success, F W Williams took an active part in the shipping business and helping develop Napier Port, including 25 years on the board of the Hawke’s Bay Harbour Board. He was mayor of Napier from 1902–1904, and served on many community boards.

William Nelson (1843–1932) is best known for establishing Tomoana Freezing Works in 1883, which began several years earlier as a boiling down works. Realising that regular shipping would be essential for Tomoana and Hawke’s Bay, William ventured to London in 1887, negotiating for the Tyser Line to commence calls to Napier Port. Renowned schools Hereworth and Woodford are educational legacies of William. Upon his death in 1932 William Nelson was called “The Father of Hawke’s Bay” for his involvement in many pioneering social and business ventures in the province.

Sir Russell Pettigrew (1920–) returned to Napier on a Friday from World War II: he didn’t hesitate to purchase a delivery business over the weekend, which started operations on the Monday. Such energy was the hallmark of Sir Russell during his business career, which resulted in the formation of transport giant Freightways in 1964: he also served as a director of 14 organisations.  Sir Russell was awarded a knighthood in 1982 for his services to the transport industry, sport and the community. One of Napier’s favourite sons, Sir Russell was awarded “The Freedom of the City of Napier” in 2004.

For more information please contact Murray Douglas 021 98 6666