Top 5 Richest Men In New Zealand According To Forbes (2025)

New Zealand may be famous for its breathtaking landscapes, thriving agriculture, and cultural heritage, but it is also home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. These billionaires have amassed their fortunes through a diverse range of industries—from packaging and global investments to blockbuster movies, cutting-edge technology, and even space exploration.

According to Forbes 2025 Billionaire Rankings, here are the top 5 richest men in New Zealand, their net worth, industries, and the journeys that led them to become financial powerhouses.

1. Graeme Hart – $9.3 Billion

Age: 69
Industry: Packaging
Source of Wealth: Finance & Investments

Graeme Hart is not only New Zealand’s richest man but also one of the most influential figures in the global packaging industry. Known for his low-profile public image, Hart built his empire through strategic acquisitions rather than inventing new products.

His business career took off after purchasing Whitcoulls, a New Zealand bookstore chain, in the late 1980s. Over time, Hart shifted to the packaging sector, acquiring and restructuring companies worldwide through his investment vehicle Rank Group. His key assets have included Reynolds Group Holdings and Carter Holt Harvey.

Hart’s business philosophy is simple but effective—buy undervalued companies, restructure them for efficiency, and grow profits. Even in 2025, his empire spans multiple continents, making him a significant player in global manufacturing.

2. Richard Chandler – $3 Billion

Age: 66
Industry: Investments
Source of Wealth: Finance & Investments

Richard Chandler is a New Zealand-born global investor known for making bold, high-risk, and high-reward investment moves. Although he operates mainly from Singapore, Chandler’s roots trace back to New Zealand, where he began his financial journey with his brother Christopher through the Sovereign Global fund.

Over the decades, Chandler has invested in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, and Asia, focusing on energy, healthcare, financial services, and education. His investment firm, Clermont Group, is renowned for taking on projects in politically and economically unstable countries, which many other investors avoid.

Unlike most billionaires, Chandler has a strong focus on philanthropy, funding global education and healthcare initiatives. His wealth reflects decades of calculated risk-taking and a willingness to operate where others fear to tread.

3. Peter Jackson – $1.7 Billion

Age: 63
Industry: Movies, Digital Effects
Source of Wealth: Media & Entertainment

Sir Peter Jackson is not only one of New Zealand’s most celebrated filmmakers but also a global cinematic icon. Best known for directing the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, Jackson transformed New Zealand into a global hub for film production.

His success is not just from directing—Jackson co-founded Weta Digital (now known as Wētā FX), a world-leading visual effects company responsible for groundbreaking work in films such as Avatar, King Kong, and The Avengers. In 2021, he sold a majority stake in Weta Digital’s technology division to Unity Software for a deal worth over $1.6 billion.

Beyond films, Jackson has invested in aviation collectibles, property, and other creative ventures. His work has brought billions into New Zealand’s economy through tourism and film-related industries.

4. Charles Gibbon – $1.1 Billion

Age: 75
Industry: Software
Source of Wealth: Technology

Charles Gibbon might not be a household name like Peter Jackson, but in the business world, he is a highly respected figure in New Zealand’s tech sector. Gibbon built his fortune through investments in software companies, capitalizing on the global digital transformation trend.

While details about his private life remain scarce, Gibbon has been linked to several technology startups and established firms that provide enterprise software solutions internationally. His portfolio spans cloud computing, digital infrastructure, and SaaS platforms, positioning him as a pioneer in New Zealand’s growing tech ecosystem.

Gibbon’s story is a testament to the fact that in the modern economy, software has become one of the most lucrative sectors, with high scalability and global reach.

5. Peter Beck – $1 Billion

Age: 48
Industry: Spacecrafts
Source of Wealth: Technology

Peter Beck is one of the most visionary entrepreneurs in New Zealand and the founder of Rocket Lab, a leading aerospace manufacturer and space launch service provider. Unlike Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which focuses on large-scale rockets, Rocket Lab specializes in small satellite launches, catering to a booming market of private and government clients seeking affordable access to space.

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab has achieved significant milestones, including launching satellites for NASA, the US Space Force, and private companies. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ and has expanded into spacecraft manufacturing, interplanetary missions, and satellite constellations.

Beck’s innovative approach to space exploration has put New Zealand on the global aerospace map, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers.

Economic Impact of New Zealand’s Billionaires

These five men are more than just wealthy individuals—they are key contributors to New Zealand’s economy and international image. Here’s how they make an impact:

Job Creation: Their businesses employ thousands globally, with many operations based in New Zealand.
Global Branding: Figures like Peter Jackson and Peter Beck have put New Zealand on the world stage in entertainment and technology.
Philanthropy: Richard Chandler’s and Graeme Hart’s charitable efforts support education, healthcare, and environmental projects.
Innovation & Technology: From aerospace to software, these billionaires drive innovation and inspire entrepreneurship.
Foreign Investment: Their global ventures attract foreign capital and partnerships, strengthening New Zealand’s trade relationships.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While their fortunes are impressive, New Zealand’s billionaires face unique challenges:

Economic Fluctuations: Global market instability can impact investments, especially for finance-based fortunes like Chandler’s.
Technological Disruption: Even leaders in tech and space must innovate constantly to stay ahead.
Environmental Concerns: As sustainability becomes a global priority, industries like packaging and aerospace must adapt to greener practices.

However, their diverse portfolios, international reach, and strategic vision suggest that these individuals will continue shaping New Zealand’s economic landscape for years to come.

Conclusion

The top 5 richest men in New Zealand represent the incredible diversity of the country’s economic strengths—from traditional industries like packaging and investments to creative fields like filmmaking and cutting-edge technology.

Graeme Hart’s dominance in global packaging, Richard Chandler’s bold investment strategies, Peter Jackson’s cinematic genius, Charles Gibbon’s software successes, and Peter Beck’s space ambitions paint a picture of a nation whose wealth creators think beyond borders.

In a country of just over five million people, producing billionaires of this caliber is a testament to New Zealand’s entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to influence industries on a global scale.