In a quiet but deeply felt loss for the Bay of Plenty and beyond, the passing of Wayne Wright snr (ONZM) marks the end of a life defined by enterprise, vision, and an enduring commitment to others.

A self-made businessman, philanthropist and devoted family man, Wright’s story reflects something distinctively New Zealand – the belief that with hard work, determination and care for community, one person can make a meaningful difference. During the course of his life, he did exactly that.

A proud Cantabrian by upbringing and later a long-time resident of Ōmokoroa, Wright was raised with a strong work ethic. Described by his family as humble and grounded, his working life began modestly, running a lawn mowing business. He went on to build and contribute to ventures across an extraordinary range of industries – from kiwifruit orcharding in the Bay of Plenty to construction ventures spanning the United States and Mexico, and telecommunications in Alabama.

Shared vision

Together with his wife of 57 years, the late Chloe Wright, he built not only businesses but a shared vision. Their partnership – one he described as complementary – became central to everything they achieved.

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Wayne Wright was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and philanthropy in 2025. Photo / Brydie Thompson

In 1996, the couple co-founded what would become BestStart Educare, now New Zealand’s largest early childhood education provider.

“What began as a single centre grew into a nationwide network of 260 centres, with more than 4500 staff caring for about 20,000 preschool children daily,” his son Wayne jnr said.

For Wayne snr, a deep sense of purpose extended well beyond business.

“Through the Wright Family Foundation, Wayne and Chloe directed more than $60 million into education, the arts, and health and social programmes across New Zealand,” Wayne jnr said.

“Their support reached communities in practical ways – from literacy initiatives to programmes supporting young parents and child wellbeing.”

Wayne snr had said regarding their humanitarian work together: “It’s about giving back, and it’s absolutely thrilling to see our foundation assist multiple projects to fruition, as they strive to make New Zealand a better place.”

Quiet impact

In 2025 Wayne snr was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and philanthropy, having previously turned the honour down. It recognised not only the scale of his contributions but also decades of quiet impact – measured in lives supported, opportunities created and communities strengthened.

Underpinning his achievements, Wayne snr remained deeply family focused. He was a husband, father of five, and grandfather first – someone who valued time spent with family and took pride in his children’s paths.

A statement from his family said Wayne snr was “a dedicated family man”.

“Most would consider his life as full, yet he still had ambitious goals he was eager to complete.”

Friends remember him for his energy, humility and generosity. Wright Family Foundation trustee and close friend Bill Holland said Wayne snr lived modestly.

“He was always very low-key. Obviously, he was very successful in his business life and financially, but you’d never know it; he wasn’t flamboyant.”

His energy

Holland said Wayne snr avoided the limelight, preferring simple pleasures like driving a well-worn car and dressing unassumingly. Even in his philanthropy, he emphasised others’ contributions, initially choosing not to join the board of the foundation he and Chloe established so it would be recognised as her vision.

Following Chloe’s passing in 2023, Wayne snr took on a board role, carrying forward their shared vision – one built on kindness, generosity and a belief in giving back.

Wayne snr’s vitality remained evident even in his final months, said Holland.

He said that the day after celebrating his 80th birthday, Wayne snr had travelled to Rwanda with one of his children and their family.

“He had five children, and he called them his sub-tribes,” Holland said. “He took one of the sub-tribes to Rwanda the day after his 80th. Most people at 80 would be taking life slowly.

“The most amazing thing for me was his energy. Wayne had remarkable energy right up to the end,” Holland said.

Wayne Wright snr took his son Wayne Wright jnr and family to Rwanda in early 2026. Photo / Supplied

Wayne snr’s generosity continued through the foundation, which supported more than 100 organisations across New Zealand in the past year, ensuring a lasting impact on communities and families.

Legacy to continue

His family said: “Wayne and Chloe’s children will continue their amazing philanthropic legacy.”

“Even though Wayne has passed, the foundation is a lasting legacy and will continue,” Holland said.

Wayne snr’s life was not defined by a single achievement, but by a pattern of contribution – to his family, his community, and his country.

Friends said they would remember him not only for his accomplishments, but also for his quiet strength, warmth and the joy he brought to those around him.

“It’s a lovely life when you can live to 80 with all your capacities intact and then pass peacefully. That, to me, is a true celebration of life,” Holland said.

In New Zealand, we often speak of people who quietly make a difference. Wayne Wright snr was one of those people. And because of that, many lives are better for his having lived.

Wright’s funeral service will be held at 11am tomorrow, March 28, at Holy Trinity Church, Devonport Rd, Tauranga.