For a time, Sir Owen Glenn's philanthropic activities in this country were carried out without fanfare. Few people outside the business world knew of him when he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2008 New Year Honours. Subsequently, everything changed. Sir Owen actively found recognition, whether through having his name attached to the new home of the University of Auckland's business school or his high-profile involvement in the Warriors league team. It is, therefore, a bit rich of him to now say that he has fallen victim to the tall-poppy syndrome and, consequently, plans to concentrate his charitable efforts overseas.
As often as not, philanthropists prefer their return of wealth to the community to remain out of the public eye. The likes of the Todd family have always steered well clear of the limelight. Whether by design or not, this low profile has meant they avoid criticism for, say, any ill-judged choices that they might make. But those who seek attention for their charitable endeavours also invite scrutiny of them. It has been Sir Owen's misfortune that several of his activities have been blighted by his own misjudgment.
That, and his current disillusionment, are unfortunate. There is no doubt that despite leaving New Zealand in 1966 and building a logistics empire with operations in 177 countries, he retained a considerable affection for it. As much was evident in the $7.5 million that he contributed to the university business school, the $1 million donated to the Christchurch earthquake fund, and the additional millions that he has given to educational, political, health, sporting and charitable bodies. Nor should it be forgotten that he cared enough to return here in 2008 to discredit Winston Peters' denial of his $100,000 donation to New Zealand First.
In that instance, Sir Owen's candour was a breath of fresh air for the country's public life. Subsequently, however, the value of his activities has shrunk in more or less direct correlation to the profile he has attained through them. It was always odd that he chose to finance an inquiry into child abuse and domestic violence. The statistics may, as he said, be a "national embarrassment", but inquiries like this are usually commissioned by governments.
Private philanthropists direct their money into practical projects. Sir Owen's venture was undermined not only by questions about what it sought to achieve but revelations about his own past.
