Top 10 Richest People in New Zealand

Ever wonder who the richest person in New Zealand is right now? You’re not alone. Kiwis are increasingly curious about the movers and shakers on the rich list NZ, especially as homegrown names climb the global wealth ladder. From high-tech entrepreneurs to seafood tycoons and toy industry giants, New Zealand’s richest are playing big on the world stage.

Today, there are more NZ billionaires than ever before. So, how many billionaires in NZ exactly? As of the latest figures, around 14 individuals have reached billionaire status, making the top 10 richest person in New Zealand list more competitive than ever. It’s not just about flash lifestyles; many individuals are backing Kiwi jobs, exports, and innovation.

Let’s take a closer look at the richest people in New Zealand, where their fortunes come from, and how they’re shaping the country’s future economy.

Ranking Methodology

So, how do we figure out who makes it onto the New Zealand rich list? It’s not just guesswork. Rankings are based on publicly available financial data, private company valuations, real estate holdings, stock ownership, and business performance. iCasinoReviews look at estimated net worth from annual reports, investment profiles, and verified financial news sources. The list can shift year to year, especially when market values rise or fall. While some fortunes are inherited, most on this list have built their wealth through business, smart investments, or global expansion, often a mix of all three.

Top 10 Richest People in New Zealand

Curious who is the richest person in NZ right now? Let’s get into the big names and big numbers. These are the individuals dominating the financial scene. Some you’ll know, some might surprise you. Here’s the latest snapshot based on current estimates:

1. Peter Thiel – NZ$28.4 billion
   Tech entrepreneur and investor, known for co-founding PayPal and Palantir. Now the richest person in NZ.
2. Mowbray Family (Nick, Mat, and Anna Mowbray Net Worth) – NZ$20 billion
   Creators of ZURU, a global toy brand. Their success has made them one of the most powerful names on the New Zealand rich list.
3. Graeme Hart – NZ$12.1 billion
   Self-made billionaire through global packaging companies and leveraged buyouts.
4. Todd Family – NZ$4.3 billion
   A powerful business dynasty with investments in energy, property, and more. Their wealth reflects the strength of the richest family in NZ.
5. Richard Chandler – NZ$3.03 billion
   A global investor with interests in energy, healthcare, and finance.
6. Michael Friedlander – NZ$2.1 billion
   Longtime real estate mogul with large property holdings across Auckland.
7. Peter Jackson – NZ$1.7 billion
   The filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings turned storytelling into serious fortune.
8. Talley family – NZ$1.6 billion
   Seafood, farming, and frozen food – the Talley Empire feeds more than just New Zealand.
9. Rod Drury – NZ$1.3 billion
   Founder of Xero, his innovations reshaped accounting for businesses worldwide.
10. Bob Jones – NZ$1.1 billion
    From property deals to political punchlines, Sir Bob Jones made his fortune his own way.

So, if you’re wondering how many billionaires in New Zealand, these are the richest people in New Zealand right now. While Peter Thiel has taken the top spot as the wealthiest person in NZ, others like the Mowbray family and Rod Drury are rising fast. Thanks to booming sectors like tech, toys, property, and finance.

Brief Biographies – Behind the Billions

1. Peter Thiel
   
   Born in Germany and raised in the U.S., Peter Thiel became a citizen of New Zealand in 2011. He co-founded PayPal and Palantir and is now the richest New Zealander, thanks to significant wins in Silicon Valley and long-term tech investments.
2. Mowbray Family (Anna, Mat, and Nick Mowbray Net Worth)
   
   The Mowbray family net worth has soared through ZURU, their global toy and consumer products company. They began in a garage from Cambridge, NZ, and now lead factories and distribution networks across 120+ countries.
3. Graeme Hart
   
   Raised in Auckland, Graeme Hart worked as a tow truck driver before building his packaging empire through leveraged buyouts. As a private equity master, he remains the richest man in New Zealand, though no longer number one overall.
4. Richard Chandler
   
   Chandler was originally from Auckland and made his early fortune through his family’s Singapore-based investment group. He now runs the Clermont Group, focused on healthcare and energy. He’s among the most globally active NZ billionaires today.
5. Todd Family
   
   Looking for Mark Todd Ockham’s net worth? The Todd family’s net worth spans multiple generations and industries, from oil and energy to telecoms and property. This long-standing Kiwi dynasty started in the early 1900s in Otago and is still growing through its private investment group, Todd Corporation.
6. Michael Friedlander
   
   Friedlander, a low-key billionaire from Auckland, built his fortune in commercial property and leasing. While rarely in the spotlight, he’s known as one of the most consistent players on the New Zealand rich list year after year.
7. Peter Jackson
   
   Born in Pukerua Bay, Jackson turned childhood filmmaking into global success with The Lord of the Rings. His continued impact in cinema and Weta Digital’s billion-dollar sale helped position him among the top richest people in New Zealand.
8. Talley Family
   
   Based in Motueka, Andrew Talley net worth comes from the family-run Talley’s Group, a leading force in seafood and frozen foods. His leadership has expanded the brand’s reach across supermarkets and export markets worldwide.
9. Rod Drury
   
   From Hawke’s Bay, Rod Drury net worth surged after founding Xero, now a global accounting software giant. He’s also an angel investor and tech advocate, helping shape the future of NZ’s digital economy.
10. Bob Jones

Sir Bob Jones is one of New Zealand’s most outspoken billionaires, but behind his bold opinions is a sharp business mind. He made wealth through savvy commercial property investments across New Zealand’s major cities.

Key Industries and Investments

If you’re wondering where most New Zealand billionaires have made their money, it’s a mix of traditional and fast-moving modern industries. Tech is leading the charge, with companies like Xero proving that Kiwi innovation can go global. Rod Drury’s success shows how powerful software and smart systems can be.

Another standout? ZURU. The Mowbrays turned toy manufacturing into a billion-dollar empire, selling globally while running operations from NZ, China, and beyond. It’s one of the most exciting success stories in recent years.

Real estate is still a major player, especially for long-time investors like Michael Friedlander. Property values in Auckland alone have created some serious wealth.

On the traditional side, Andrew Talley built his fortune through seafood and frozen foods, an industry that remains a major export for New Zealand. Whether it’s food, toys, tech, or property, these sectors continue to shape the fortunes of today’s richest New Zealanders.

How Their Wealth Is Generated

When you look at how billionaires in NZ built their fortunes, one thing stands out: most are self-made. While some inherited assets, like the Todd family, others, like Rod Drury and the Mowbrays, created wealth from scratch.

They’ve grown by scaling globally. ZURU’s toys are sold in over 120 countries, and Xero powers businesses worldwide. These brands didn’t just succeed locally; they dominated global markets.

Smart investments, strong leadership, and a drive to innovate have helped turn good ideas into billion-dollar ventures. Whether it’s software, seafood, or real estate, going global has been key to growing wealth.

Impact on New Zealand’s Economy

The influence of these billionaires stretches far beyond their bank accounts. Companies like ZURU and Xero have made a real mark – creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and putting New Zealand on the global business map.

Rod Drury’s work with Xero didn’t just lead the charge in tech. It inspired a wave of local startups. ZURU, meanwhile, employs thousands worldwide and invests heavily in automation and sustainable packaging, proving Kiwi companies can lead in global manufacturing.

The richest family in NZ, the Mowbrays, and long-standing dynasties like the Todds also play a major role in local investment, from real estate to energy. Their decisions impact everything from property development to renewable initiatives.

Many on this list also give back. Through philanthropy, scholarships, and funding community projects, they help shape the future.

Conclusion

The people on this list aren’t just rich; they help shape the country’s direction. From the richest person in New Zealand to rising stars in tech, each has influenced how New Zealand grows, works, and competes globally.

But wealth doesn’t stand still. The next big thing could come from a climate startup, AI company, or digital platform we haven’t heard of yet.

New leaders will rise as industries shift, and today’s billionaires may face fresh challenges. Keeping an eye on this list gives a glimpse into what’s next for New Zealand’s economy and the future of global Kiwi success.