Many Southlanders have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Graham Dick, one of our former principals here at McIntyre Dick.

In the world of business Graham Dick was a force to be reckoned with. Many people knew him as their accountant, mentor, business partner, or director in their organization. However, everyone who knew him understood that he put both his mind and his heart into everything he did.

"Whether the job called for accounting or business advice or a pragmatic sensible head and an ear to bend, Graham Dick was the man you wanted in your corner"  -  Megan Dick

His business knowledge and acumen was professional and well regarded, coupled with a kind nature that gave him a truly human perspective. As with his family life, he wanted all of the businesses, companies and boards that he was associated with to thrive and achieve their goals.

Graham's career as an accountant was admired until his retirement in 2017. Through much of that time, he served as the chair of Export Southland where he was passionate about seeing our locals bring Southland to the world. Graham sadly passed away in 2019.

In 2020, McIntyre Dick established the Graham Dick Memorial Trophy, to recognise both Graham's service to Southland export and those that have followed. 

The inaugural recipient of the trophy was Peter Beck of Rocket Lab, whose lofty goal was opening access to space to improve life on earth. He did this from New Zealand where competing with the likes of NASA saw him earn his place among the leaders in export from Southland. 

In 1999 Tony and Tracey Laker started Laker House of Travel, a travel agency in a town with 12 other established agencies in what was described as a challenging economic environment.

Over the 20 years of dedicated work and global adventures that followed, Tony and Tracey built an incredibly successful business. Tony's enthusiasm and success in the industry paved the way for the community to see what could be achieved on the national and international stage when you have passion, drive and vision.

Some people leave the world far better than when they found it. Tony Laker was one of those people.

Many people have enjoyed the fruit of Tony's labour. From chartered flights from Invercargill to the Melbourne Cup, through to farming tours to the UK, Argentina, South Africa and Japan, Tony's exclusive and personalised tours were lauded. 

In 2019, Lakers House of Travel was named New Zealand Travel Agency of the year at the Travel Industry Awards. Tony also was honoured with a Lifetime Industry Achievement Award, which recognises individuals for their outstanding leadership and contribution to the travel industry.

Sadly, Tony passed away in May 2022, leaving behind an incredible legacy for Southland to aspire to.

We, at McIntyre Dick, have had the privilege of sponsoring this award since its inception and believe Tony to be an extremely worthy recipient. 

We hope you will join us in thanking Tony, his family and his team for their outstanding contribution to Southland.