Manuwatu businessman Pat Higgins knighted

It has been the good fortune of the people of Manawatu that although Palmerston North-based contractor Higgins Group works throughout the country, the hearts of the company's owners remain firmly in the region.

Former group managing director and now chairman Pat Higgins has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy and the community. He become an Officer of the Order in 2005.

"We're very passionate about the Manawatu. That's our patch," Sir Pat said.
He and wife Kay have four children and 10 grandchildren, all living in the region.
"We just love it here, and I suppose when you're like that, you put effort into all the organisations that are around here," he said.

"When you live here most of your life, you do get involved, and probably Rotary was one thing that opened my eyes to a lot of these organisations."

Organisations or activities supported by Sir Pat include the Manfeild Park international motor racing circuit and equestrian course, the Arohanui Hospice Trust, the Manawatu Cancer Society, and the Louise Perkins Foundation.

He also supported the Manawatu Historic Places Trust in the preservation of the 1901 Hoffman Kiln, one of only two such kilns remaining in this country.
Higgins Group is a major sponsor of the Manawatu Rugby Academy based at Massey University, and the Manawatu Turbos rugby team, as well as other sports in the Manawatu.

On supporting the Turbos, Sir Pat said, "I think it was pride in the Manawatu, keeping the Manawatu on the map".

As a young man in the mid-1950s, he was a founder of the Higgins company, along with his father Dan and mother Phyllis. The company is still owned by the extended family.
"It's one of those businesses that started round the kitchen table," Sir Pat said.
"We feel that we have a responsibility. If you've had success in a business you've been in, I suppose there is a corporate responsibility."

Despite Higgins Group's expansion throughout much of the country, Sir Pat sees no need to shift the company's base from Palmerston North.

"It's a great thing," he said.

"It can't all happen in Auckland, can it."