A member of one of Christchurch’s grand old families, Humphry Rolleston has forged a reputation as a businessman with smart, sensible and generous instincts.
Rolleston’s business interests are widespread, covering everything from the latest disruptive technologies to old school camper vans. Much of his interests lie with his holding company Asset Management, which is involved with subjects as varied as farming and forestry, security, travel and tourism and advertising.
His edgier investments are through the Melbourne-based Asset Growth Fund, whose interests include equipment hire and construction software provider Plantminer, property marketer Investorist and tour booking platform Travlr.
Rolleston’s most recent appearance in the media served to further the positive impression of his business acumen. He was a business partner of Allan Hubbard, the infamous South Island businessman whose South Canterbury Finance became New Zealand’s largest locally owned finance company before collapsing in 2010. According to a new book by broker Chris Lee, Rolleston served as the sensible brake on Hubbard, reining in the latter’s adventurous and sometimes overreaching business decisions. According to Lee, when Rolleston left in 2004 it led to disastrous decisions by Hubbard that would ultimately send his company up in flames.
Along with Asset Management, Rolleston sits on a number of boards including Infratil. He has been on the board of Property for Industry since the company listed, although he recently announced he would not seek re-election when his term expires next year.
Rolleston is also known for his charitable work. He is chair of the Christchurch City Foundation, a charitable organisation that focuses on projects in Christchurch. It recently established a fund to help support the families and Muslim communities impacted by March’s terrorist attacks in the city. To date, the Our People, Our City fund has received over $3.5m in donations.
Rolleston’s three sons work in the family’s businesses. Most prominent is George, who is head of Asset Growth Fund and who recently joined the board of Mercer Group, in which Humphry is the leading investor. Mercer Group announced at its half year result in February it had returned to profit, albeit small, after five years of losses.
Rolleston lives with his wife Debra in Christchurch suburb Fendalton.
2018: $85 million