Tom's fighting spirit pays off

Thomas Ben says his reward of a top job with Century City Hotels is a big deal for his family. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Father of five Thomas Ben has come out on top to become New Zealand's first Apprentice winner.

The 35-year-old divisional manager from South Auckland beat 28-year-old media agency director David Wyatt in last night's final of The Apprentice NZ.

After 13 weeks of testing business challenges, Mr Ben was rewarded with a top job at the Wellington company Century City Hotels.

He said he was excited about his life-changing win and what it would mean to his wife and five children.

"If you'd told me a year ago I was going to be New Zealand's first Apprentice, I would have laughed at you.

"I would have laughed you down and gone: 'Some guy from South Auckland, who's got five kids and no tertiary education, who's worked his ass off for everything?'

"This is going to change my life."

At a wrap-up party in Ponsonby last night, former contestants and the pair's family and friends gathered to watch the last episode.

For the final challenge, the two finalists had to organise a charity auction for Cure Kids. They raised about $40,000 for the charity.

Apprentice boss Terry Serepisos said: "Tom, you remind me a lot of myself. You've come from nothing and you've had to fight for everything.

"I believe you're going to continue that battle for me at Century City. Tom - you're hired."

Mr Ben said he was looking forward to finally getting down to the business side of things.

"The real work starts now and I'm excited - I just want to get into it," he said.

Mr Ben will have a $100,000-plus salary, a BMW 3-Series for a year and luxury accommodation at Century City hotels.

Looking somewhat overwhelmed last night, Mr Ben said he was feeling "just awesome" about his win.

"I'm just really, really thankful and so is my family. We're excited, it's going to be an adventure."

Talking about his journey on The Apprentice, he learned a lot about "the real Tom" and the pressures of the business world.

"It's 90 per cent attitude and the people around you.

"For me, it was the support of my wife Antoinette and my kids."