After first making their fortune via the IT industry, Nigel and Rosemary Walkington now have an active presence in the South Island’s thriving aviation industry.
Though not as involved as he once was, Nigel Walkington is still a shareholder and director at Christchurch Helicopters. The company gained widespread recognition over the past few years not just for their activities throughout the South Island, but through the fame of fellow director and shareholder, former All Black captain Richie McCaw. Flights start around $250, although considerably more if flying with McCaw.
The company, in which the Walkingtons have an 8% share, operate scenic tours, pilot training and commercial applications. It’s not all scenic tours, however. Last year it was given a humanitarian award for its work during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and the 2017 Port Hills fires by the Helicopter Association International.
Nigel Walkington has long been in business with fellow Rich Lister Lester Singleton. The pair created Global Information Solutions in 1991, a multinational company that was eventually sold to US company SunGard Data Systems for $164m in 2000.
The Walkingtons have a variety of investments, including private houses and dairy farms. They live in Christchurch.
2018: $85 million