CIE supporter Tony Falkenstein receives King's Birthday Honours

Tony Falkenstein's recent honour builds on his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2010 and reflects his ongoing commitment to empowering future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Tony has supported a number of universities and secondary schools, helped lead the establishment of the New Zealand chapter of the Global Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, is a member of New Zealand Asian Leaders and was recognised as a KEA World Class New Zealander.

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, his support of the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has included his role as the driving force behind the Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition –an annual programme that takes a cohort of students to Silicon Valley, immersing them in one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurial ecosystems.

“I would love to see a day where every university student spends a semester overseas,” said Tony at the launch of Vanguard.

“Whether it be studying, working in a large company or start-up, or observing the collaboration in Silicon Valley – these experiences are life-changing. Vanguard gives that opportunity to a few and, hopefully, is the beginning of something much bigger.”

Since then, Tony has expanded his support to enable even more students to participate.

Tony sees his philanthropy as a way to “pay it forward” and actively encourages Vanguard alumni to do the same. 

“All of them committed to it after the trip – whether it was giving talks at their former schools, supporting charitable fundraisers, or sharing their stories with peers,” he says.

One such alumna is Hiraia Haami-Wells, whose Vanguard experience inspired her to propose a Māori innovation and entrepreneurship tour. Now an annual offering at CIE, it introduces tauira to Māori entrepreneurs and innovators around Aotearoa.

CIE Director Darsel Keane says Tony is more than a generous donor, he’s an active contributor to CIE.

“Tony joins us on the Vanguard tour each year and our students find him just as inspiring as any Silicon Valley entrepreneur. His boundless curiosity and energy are infectious. He’s even been known to challenge students to planking competitions!”

Tony has also spoken at CIE events in Auckland. Darsel says: “Tony is authentic and unafraid to share both the highs and the lows of his journey. His story is one of resilience, optimism and generosity. We’re incredibly grateful for his support. He couldn’t be more deserving of this King’s Birthday honour.”