John Hynds started his company in 1973 as a contractor building retaining walls.
Now, the Hynds Group of companies claims to be New Zealand and Australia’s premier product supplier for the management of water and water-based waste in civil and rural infrastructure.
The companies manufacture, import and supply a comprehensive range of products for drainage, watermain, stormwater, wastewater, and rural application. The group employs more than 750 people within its New Zealand and Australian operations.
Hynds, now 71, has retired from the day-to-day running of the business to concentrate on charity work. The Hynds Foundation, formed in 2014, is working on forming partnerships with tertiary institutions, businesses and future employers and on inspiring the students to become involved in entrepreneurial activities.
In 2017, Hynds was inducted into NZ Business Hall of Fame.
2018: $160 million