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Tributes poured in yesterday for construction giant Sir James Fletcher, 92, and leading winemaker Nick Nobilo, 94.
Both died peacefully in Auckland overnight on Wednesday.
Sir James was remembered as a visionary and "absolute gentleman" by business leaders, industrialists, politicians and figures in the art and sports worlds.
Known as Jim to his friends, he became managing director of the newly created Fletcher Holdings in 1942, at age 28.
He went on to create a business empire that included major stakes in New Zealand's first steel mill and the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill at Kawerau.
Fletcher Challenge was New Zealand's largest listed company until Telecom listed in the 1990s.
Former All Black coach John Hart, who was employee relations director at Fletcher Challenge, said Sir James was hugely respected by employees, trade unions, suppliers and customers.
"He was universally accepted as a very humble and a real gentleman, but obviously a great business visionary," he said.
"We have lost probably one of the best industrialist role models that we could ever have had."
Mr Hart said Sir James cared deeply about his staff and would participate in company events with great enthusiasm.
He stood on the sidelines during rugby and netball matches, and stayed behind to present prizes and share a drink with competitors afterwards.
"He had a quality of genuineness. He was not superficial in the way he dealt with people. He was very, very committed."
David Sadler, chief financial officer at Fletcher companies for 27 years, said Sir James made international links with construction and industrial organisations that benefited not only his interests, but those of New Zealand.
He praised Sir James as a "tremendous visionary" with "a humility you don't often see in a person of his stature". While intent on growing his business, Sir James was also a philanthropist and dedicated patron of the arts.
He and business partner George Fraser founded the Fletcher Collection, now the Fletcher Trust, which now boasts the largest collection of New Zealand paintings outside a public gallery.
Trust curator Peter Shaw said Sir James had conventional taste in art, but was a generous supporter of abstract and emerging artists.
"His own taste was never a barrier to his enthusiasm for supporting the work of some more adventurous people."
He was also known for being an enthusiastic bidder at auctions. "He would just give me a little nudge and say, 'Go another one, Peter'."
Sir James' other great love was horses, and his champion galloper Mr Tiz was ridden by Lance O'Sullivan and trained by the jockey's father Dave.
Both men described Sir James as "an absolute gentleman", Lance O'Sullivan saying he was extremely generous and always wanted the jockey to get an extra cut if the horse won.
"He was the only owner who did it. In all my years, I never rode for anybody like them [Sir James and his wife]."
Mr Nobilo, a Croatian immigrant who founded Nobilo wines after arriving in New Zealand in the 1940s, was praised for creating an innovative company that is now the country's second-largest winery.
New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said he left an impressive legacy by building Nobilo into a company that led "the revolution in table wine" in the 1960s and 70s.
George Fistonich of Villa Maria wines said Mr Nobilo was an innovator who was also deeply proud of his culture and had supported his three sons in the wine industry.
Politicians, industrial and business leaders also paid tribute to Mr Nobilo and Sir James.
Economic development minister Trevor Mallard said Sir James made a huge contribution to New Zealand and its economy, while National Party leader John Key said the country had lost "two extraordinary pioneers" with their passing.
The Employers and Manufacturers Association said the pair had set enduring standards for integrity, and Business New Zealand said they left behind companies with powerful brands and a bright future.
Sir James will be farewelled on Tuesday at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.
Mr Nobilo's funeral is also expected to be next week.
