Sir Eion honoured for altruism

Ryman Healthcare's Gordon MacLeod (left) presents Queenstown-based businessman Sir Eion Edgar...
Ryman Healthcare's Gordon MacLeod (left) presents Queenstown-based businessman Sir Eion Edgar with the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year award in Auckland on Wednesday night.
Sir Eion Edgar hoped others would learn they could get "a lot of pleasure" from helping people after he was named the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year at a national awards ceremony in Auckland on Wednesday night.

Sir Eion (65) said he was humbled by the recognition of his 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."

Involved with many education, youth, health, community trusts and financial organisations, of which he is either chairman, trustee or a board member, Sir Eion said he was looking forward to spending more time working with Queenstown Resort College, of which he is the founder and chairman.

Queenstown Resort College chief executive 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."

As part of Sir Eion's award, he received $5000 from principal sponsor Kiwibank.

Yesterday, he was unsure what would be done with the money.

"It may be going to Diabetes Research or something in Queenstown. I certainly will be spending it and adding to it because I've already made some serious commitments to helping out organisations, such as the Wakatipu Trails Trust."

 

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