Craig Heatley

Craig Heatley, born in 1956 in Lower Hutt, is a top New Zealand entrepreneur and businessman. He started his entrepreneurial journey during school, using the money he saved from his paper round to create a subdivision. At 22, he and a friend launched a mini-golf course in Taupo, which led to the establishment of the successful Tamaki Drive mini-golf course.

Heatley’s business acumen further shone when he developed Rainbow’s End, a significant amusement park venture. This business grew rapidly and employed over 7,000 people before Brierley Investments acquired it.

In 1986, Heatley earned a place on the National Business Review’s Rich List, becoming the youngest person featured. His most ambitious and challenging venture was the establishment of Sky Television, which became New Zealand’s sole pay-TV provider and one of its most prominent companies. Heatley took Sky Television public in 1997 and sold it to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.

Apart from his business achievements, Craig Heatley is a passionate golfer, having won prestigious tournaments and being a member of notable golf clubs worldwide. His commitment to conservation and various non-profit organisations highlights his philanthropic side.

Craig Heatley’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ventures have earned him recognition, including being named New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 and inducted into the World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2013. He also received the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit the same year, which is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and impact on New Zealand’s business landscape.