MANDY SMITH HE was house leader, cultural leader and now he's a business leader. Former New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year Michael Whittaker returned to Havelock North High School on Monday to open the school's business hall of fame - a government-funded scheme to encourage entrepreneurs. The hall's first inductee, he attendedthe school between 1984 and 1988 and described himself as a "spirited" student. "The opportunities were always there, you just needed to put your hand up and take advantage of them," he said. After high school, Mr Whittaker completed a business studies degree at Massey University while flying between New Zealand and Southeast Asia importing leather and ceramics. He launched an icecream brand in Queenstown before opening a restaurant in Auckland. In 1996, he helped found the Atlantis Group, a private investment company providing end-to-end customer service for a clientele that includes McDonald's, Caltex and The Body Shop. The company holds all the international patents to smart cards - the technology behind the Mobil Max card - and today operates in 14 countries, employing more than 200 people. Mr Whittaker was nominated for the hall of fame by pupils, parents and teachers, and given the nod by teacher Rachel Hulls and principal Bill Adams. He said he felt privileged to be one of the first inductees, and was pleased to see entrepreneurship flourishing at the school. "I hope that my involvement helps to inspire other students to work hard and succeed," Mr Whittaker said. Champion motor racer Greg Murphy and tenor George Sewell were also inducted for their respective successes in the sport and entertainment industries. The school plans to add another two or three names a year.
