Business leader and ‘boy from the ‘Naki’ farewelled in his home town as man who made a huge contribution
Friends and family of business leader Craig Norgate yesterday farewelled a man described as a visionary who had “strong roots” in his Taranaki home town.
Mr Norgate, 50, was Fonterra’s first chief executive, from 2001 to 2003.
He had been in London with his wife Jane, son Jordan and daughter Alexandria when he suddenly collapsed and died earlier this month.
Despite his success in big business, Mr Norgate described himself as a “boy from the ‘ Naki”, and those who knew him called him humorous, energetic, passionate, visionary, driven and inspirational.
His funeral was held yesterday at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in his hometown of Hawera, next door to the school he attended as a boy.
Mr Norgate’s well-known love for rugby was highlighted at the service.
A Chiefs flag was laid over his coffin, and his family had asked for donations to be made to Sport Taranaki in lieu of flowers.
As hundreds of mourners arrived for the private service, attendees had to spill out into a neighbouring hall.
Mourners heard a tribute from Graham Stuart, who was Fonterra’s strategy director while Mr Norgate was chief executive.
Other speakers included Mr Norgate’s brother Geoff and his daughter Alexandria. His niece Emma Jones performed a solo of Hallelujah.
After the service, friends described Mr Norgate as a “real character”.
One mourner, who did not wish to be named, said his love of rugby was a “prominent” part of the service.
Another friend said it was not only Mr Norgate’s love of rugby, but his efforts in business and with family that really shone through.
“He was a well-respected man and he will be well and truly missed.”
His friend Bill Batchelor said those who spoke of him talked “sincerely”.
“I thought it was very very impressive . . . He loved life and left very, very quickly.”
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said he found the funeral very moving. “Craig’s done a huge amount for agriculture in general in New Zealand and a massive amount for the dairy industry.
“He was instrumental in the formation of Fonterra, and what we heard about Craig was he always had a Plan B, in case Plan A never came off.”
Mr Guy said he was a visionary who had strong roots in Taranaki.
His roots were also strong in rugby and sport in general, he said.
“Certainly he’s done a massive amount for primary industries in New Zealand and that’s why I’m here today representing the Government.
“There were a lot of stories, a lot of anecdotes, a lot of humour — very fitting for a man who has made a massive contribution.”
MP for Whanganui, Chester Borrows, said mourners yesterday ranged from Government officials to Mr Norgate’s mates from his football club in Hawera.
“I think he was playing in that team as a 29-year-old chief executive for the second biggest dairy company in the country. He was still playing for his local rugby team.
“He took everybody with him, and so I think his vision of where New Zealand could get in agriculture was reflective of his community work here — where he did what he could for people, regardless of status.”
After his spell leading Fonterra, Mr Norgate worked at PGG Wrightson, then the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
In 2005, he won the New Zealand Herald Business Leader of the Year award and in 2008 received a World Class New Zealander award, from Kea New Zealand, for his work in business and finance.