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One of the country's best-known business leaders is to be presented with Auckland City's highest award.
Gary Paykel is to be presented tonight with the Distinguished Citizens Award, the highest award the Auckland City Council can offer.
Auckland Mayor John Banks said Mr Paykel was one of New Zealand's most successful and respected business leaders.
Mr Paykel, the chairman of Fisher and Paykel Appliances and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, had changed many lives through his charitable work, Mr Banks said.
"He is not only a great businessman, he is also a great benefactor. Mr Paykel is truly a distinguished citizen of this city," he said.
Mr Paykel is patron of the Eastern Bays Hospice and trustee of the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust, dedicated to the advancement of the health sciences in New Zealand.
He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 and was also director of Team New Zealand.
The Distinguished Citizen Award was established in 2003 and past recipients include Sir Edmund Hillary, Jenny Gibbs, Sir Hugh Kawharu, Professor Peter Gluckman, and C K Stead.
- NZPA
