Hawke’s Bay’s Kevin Atkinson has been named a Distinguished Fellow by the Institute of Directors New Zealand. This is the organisation’s highest accolade, accorded to under 1% of its national membership – 88 others so-awarded by my count.

The award recognises those who have made a significant contribution to business and society in Aotearoa New Zealand. In a region seemingly awash with directors, Sam Robinson is the only other Hawke’s Bay Distinguished Fellow.

Kevin probably needs little introduction to most BayBuzz readers. His most visible (and longstanding) past roles have been as elected Chair of the HB District Health Board (when we believed in local accountability for health services) and as Chair of Unison.

But high-profile director roles aside, Kevin has been a steady and quiet supporter of the community in many other ways, as described in the ‘official’ IoD profile below.

As publisher of BayBuzz, I have benefitted from Kevin’s persistent encouragement, wise counsel and support for over fifteen years. And as editor, from his unmatchable insight into our healthcare, energy and local governance issues.  

I know there are others who have benefitted likewise from his unofficial mentoring.

Here’s the Institute’s profile of Kevin.

Kevin Atkinson, MNZM, has lent his expertise to the healthcare sector, electricity and IT companies in organisations such as the Hawke’s Bay DHB, Unison Networks Ltd and Information Management Services Ltd (IMS). 

He was chair and principal sponsor of the Hawks NBL basketball team during the 1990s and is currently a patron of Hawks Basketball Incorporated. 

In 1983, he founded software company IMS, which under his stewardship provided software to more than 10,000 New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses, contributing approximately $300,000 annually to sponsorships such as the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust, Cranford Hospice, rugby and basketball. 

His commitment to the local community has seen him govern the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union, Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers Trust. He has held advisory and trustee roles on the Eastern and Central Community Trust, EIT Hawke’s Bay Business and Computing Advisory Committee, Hawke’s Bay Medical Research Foundation and the Hawke’s Bay Digital Archives Trust (Hawke’s Bay Knowledge Bank). 

In 2010, he received a New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to business and the community.

Thanks, Kevin!