Businessman Gary Paykel honoured

One of the country's best-known business leaders, Gary Paykel, was presented last night with the Distinguished Citizens Award, the highest award the Auckland City Council can bestow.

Auckland Mayor John Banks said Mr Paykel, chairman of Fisher & Paykel Appliances and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, had changed many lives through his charitable work.

The Distinguished Citizens Award was established in 2003 and recipients have includes Sir Edmund Hillary, Jenny Gibbs, Sir Hugh Kawharu, Professor Peter Gluckman and C.K. Stead.