Flying Kiwi Hi-Tech Hall of Fame: Board weighs Sir Rod Drury’s place

Sir Rod Drury. Photo / Getty Images

On the eve of the 2026 Hi-Tech Awards, Sir Rod Drury maintains his place in the associated Flying Kiwi Hi-Tech Hall of Fame.

But the trust that manages the award is considering the situation after allegations of sexual misconduct that have already seen the Xero founder return his New Zealander of the Year title. Drury denies the allegations.

“The Hi-Tech Trust is aware of the media interest regarding Sir Rod Drury and the current allegations that have been made,” it said.

“It is following the current developments and has called for a board-level discussion at their upcoming meeting in June.”

Other members of the Hi-Tech Hall of Fame include Sir William Gallagher, Sir Peter Beck, Sir Ian Taylor, Frances Valintine, Sam Morgan and the late Sir Woolf Fisher and Maurice Paykel.

The current Hi-Tech board of trustees comprises Marian Johnson (chair), Owen Gibson, Mike O’Donnell, Sarah Ramsay, Brooke Roberts, Amber Taylor, Frances Valintine, Sam Yu and Sam West.

Sir Rod Drury was inducted into the Hi-Tech Hall of Fame in 2009.

The trust’s annual awards will be held this Friday night at Spark Arena.

The $405-a-ticket event, which typically attracts more than 1000 attendees, has sold out.

Last year’s attendees included Finance Minister Nicola Willis (who sat at the top table with Drury), Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, former Space Minister Judith Collins and Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins.

Since April 14, four women have accused Drury of unwanted sexualised behaviour – ex-employee Ally Naylor, a former employee referred to as Amy, Drury’s former private chef Megan Ruddle and entrepreneur Jenene Crossan.

Xero, which first investigated Naylor’s claims over 2017 and 2018, opened a new independent investigation on April 16, 2026.

The company has appointed Maria Dew, KC, to assist with its new review.

Drury has denied the allegations by Naylor and Ruddle and, via a representative, declined to comment on Amy’s complaint.

Drury was inducted into the Hi-Tech Hall of Fame in 2009. He was named New Zealand Hi-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

He is described on its website as a “technology rockstar” and a serial web entrepreneur.

Drury co-founded Xero in July 2006, listing it on the NZX a year later, before decamping to the ASX.

He was also a director of Trade Me before it was sold in 2007 for $750m.

The Hi-Tech Trust website also describes Drury as “unfailingly optimistic”.

“Rod is recognised as a thoroughly good bloke with an uncanny knack for spotting opportunity when others can only see a glass half-full.”

Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.