More than 160 people celebrated "the great adventure" of the Alpine Deer Group in Albert Town on Saturday, at a staff reunion for the long-running company founded by Sir Tim Wallis.
Past employees and other representatives from the deer industry travelled from throughout the South Island to the Albert Town Tavern for the occasion, which was the first time a reunion for the company had been held since 2004, co-organiser Nola Sims said.
Mrs Sims was Mr Wallis' assistant at the Alpine Deer Group for 32 years and was thrilled to give guests the chance to catch up with former co-workers, each of whom played a role in the success of the wildlife management and deer-farming operation.
In a speech to the crowd, Sir Tim paid tribute to his employees.
"Thank you for being part of this great adventure," he said, before giving some background on his leadership philosophy.
"My father said to me when I was 19: 'Tim, if you want to run a successful family company, you must work at the coal face and you must learn to talk to your employees and be a bloody good listener' ... and that's how I've always done it and thankfully it all worked out."
Roxburgh man Evan Waby, who was a shooter for the Alpine Deer Group in its early years, acknowledged Sir Tim's contributions.
"Tim's done a heck of a lot for Wanaka, for the deer industry and for his employees. He was a great boss," Mr Waby said.
The celebrations continued yesterday with a barbecue, hosted by Sir Tim and Prue Wallis' four sons, at the company's hangar at Wanaka Airport.
