Neville Peat - Hurricane Tim: The Story Of Sir Tim Wallis

I could not have accomplished the business initiatives and research-and- development described here without the advice of Reid Jackson, my Dunedin accountant. Reid was not only a brilliant accountant and business adviser; he also became a close friend of mine. For our first meeting in the mid-1960s I brought two apple boxes, containing all my records, to his office in a building near the old Chief Post Office in Dunedin. Reid grilled me about what I wanted to achieve. At a follow-up meeting next day he agreed to accept me as a client providing I was always completely open and honest with him. It was my job, he said, to create a cash flow for the business and he would advise where and how to invest the money. His advice was invaluable to me. It was a tragedy for his family and me when he died in 1987 at the early age of 52.

THE WALLIS and Wilson families have been great friends for almost four generations. Tim and I have complementary godfather roles to one anothers eldest sons. We grew up together as boys with a special interest in the outdoors. He remains my greatest friend, hunting companion and long-time close business associate.

Tims early attraction to the bush, mountains and deer hunting led to his first challenge and great dream an industry based on New Zealand red deer. With Tim as a driving force, that industry succeeded beyond all expectations. It is easy to dream but to follow and drive those dreams to reality you need to be a special person. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Tim actively encouraged and inspired many others to follow their own dreams. He helped finance and train pilots, encouraged the expansion of deer farming , actively promoted and developed markets and was involved in dozens of entrepreneurial adventures.

Tim has always been able to be at one with all levels of society, humble or great. He recognizes the goodness or potential in individuals, and has often become a mentor. He is a born leader. At the height of his career, he instigated close team-work and instilled in his workmates and associates the spirit of comradeship and trust. Faced with danger and great stress, Tim thought of others ahead of his own perils. When all seemed stacked against him, he not only survived but pushed on and often succeeded. This kind of determination is very special.

Surviving a horrific aircraft accident, Tim has demonstrated an ability to take on a new life. He has had to disregard impediments and handicaps that would have been insurmountable to most. This is a story in itself.

In Tim we see great courage, not the least the courage of his convictions . New Zealand is certainly a better place for having experienced the calibre and the unique abilities of Hurricane Tim. He has been a positive force across multiple levels individual, community, industry and the economy. For Tim, life and its opportunities are not just a waiting game. He has lived a vision, which is that life is for living and that living with others is life. His story is inspiring.