Owning a property portfolio worth at least $50 million is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for Bill Speedy whose real wealth lies in the highly successful shipping business he founded almost 40 years ago.
Born in Otahuhu and from a working-class family, Speedy left Victoria University mid-course and took his first job with the British shipping company, ACT. However, his drive for independence saw him establish Oceanbridge Shipping in 1981, aided by his father Royce and two staff.
Describing his father, who is still involved at board level, as “the greatest inspiration” in his life. Speedy fondly recalls at every board meeting how his accountant, Barrie Campbell, recommended that the business be closed down after 12 months.
As with his father, hard work, honesty and integrity has paid off for Speedy and Oceanbridge has grown to become one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned shipping companies with 140 employees.
Based in Takapuna, Oceanbridge has offices in Sydney, Tauranga, Napier and Christchurch and is a leading consolidator of cargo for many of the country’s largest importers and exporters – including Fonterra – and has an enviable reputation among global peers for its reputation, staff and service.
Speedy was inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame in 2017, where he joined a swag of fellow Rich Listers including Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir David Levene, Carmel Fisher and Sue & Guy Haddleton. He was also recognised in the 2018 New Year’s Honours, being made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy and watersports.
Over the past 38 years Speedy and his wife Lindsay have shared their success by donating more than $100,000 annually to numerous organisations including the Coastguard, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Raglan Surf Life Saving. Since 1997 they have also hosted an annual charity golf tournament.
Oceanbridge also sponsors numerous sports events, including the Oceanbridge NZL Regatta. It provided logistics support for Emirates Team New Zealand at the America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017, and is sticking with the team for 2021.
In addition to his love of golf, Speedy has a passion for the ocean as a swimmer and surfer. He is also the proud owner of the motor yacht Integrity on which he is understood to host functions for shipping clients in the Mediterranean.
Known as good fun to be around, the Speedys live in a $6.3m property in Takapuna where friends say Bill is a fanatical mower of lawns, with not a blade of grass out of place.
Photo: North Shore Business Awards