Soft drink empire founder inducted

Mary Jane Innes' induction into the NZ Business Hall of Fame is a credit to her entrepreneurial and leadership skills in what was at the time a "man's world", says Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker.

In 1889, Mary Jane Innes laid the foundations for today's Waikato Breweries and also the soft drink giant Oasis Industries Ltd. She was this week inducted into the Hall of Fame at a gala dinner in Auckland.

Mayor of Hamilton Julie Hardaker joined the Innes family at a gala dinner to celebrate Mary Jane's entrepreneurial success. The mayor said the induction was further confirmation of the spirit and tenacity reflected in successful Hamilton business people and was a proud moment for the Innes family.

"She was an extraordinary woman who turned around a bankrupt company at a time when it was uncommon for women to be involved in business. This forward-thinking woman lines up with the best Hamilton has to offer and rightly deserves a place in New Zealand history.

"Her contribution to the region, and New Zealand, was significant and her legacy remains with us today," she said.

Her induction follows in the footsteps of businessman and philanthropist Brian Perry in 2011.