Sir George Fistonich appointed Variety Vice Patron

Sir George Fistonich joins Dame Kiri Te Kanawa as a Vice Patron of Variety – The Children’s Charity in NZ.

“We are delighted to welcome long term member Sir George as a Vice Patron of Variety, and are honoured that he has chosen to follow in the footsteps of former Vice Patron Sir Edmund Hillary in supporting Variety and Kiwi kids,” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in NZ.

“Variety is fortunate to have the support of a number of celebrities and high profile business people, including our Patron Dame Cath Tizard, as ambassadors, members and on our Board of Directors, and we are pleased to welcome Sir George to the team,” said Ms Taylor.

“Variety – The Children’s Charity has a long and successful history supporting children in need and I am honoured to offer my support as Vice Patron,” said Sir George.

“Having built a successful company through recognising and nurturing young talent I welcome the opportunity to play a part in helping to enrich the lives of those children less fortunate.”

Sir George Fistonich founded Villa Maria Estate in Auckland in 1961. With vision and determination he has steered the company to a position where it has become NZ’s leading wine award winner, both locally and overseas.

A commitment to quality and innovation extends also to the staff Sir George employs. He encourages employees to work to their individual strengths while at the same time emphasising the value of team work and co-operation.

In 2004, Sir George Fistonich was short listed as one of the 50 most prominent figures in the wine industry by UK Wine International magazine and in 2005 he was named NZ’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

It was in 2009 that Sir George received his greatest honour to date – a knighthood for his services to the NZ wine industry.

One of only 85 to be knighted that year and the first ever to be acknowledged for services to the NZ wine industry, George confirmed his Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit by adopting the prestigious title of Sir – a reminder of his significant contribution to the industry and a history of international and national success.