As a former owner and director of EziBuy, Australasia’s largest catalogue retailer, Gerard is a well-known local business leader. Co-founding the company with his brother Peter and friend John Robinson, Ezibuy was launched in 1978 with a folded A3 black and white page mailed to a list of organisations and clubs pulled out of the phone book.

From humble beginnings, EziBuy grew to become the largest fashion and homeware multi-channel store in Australasia, selling up to $200m of goods in a financial year and employing 500 people. The brothers sold the company in 2013.

Up until recently Gerard co-owned Max Fashions and was on the board of Tui Products. He is a director in Palmerston North International Airport and a Regional Advisory Committee Member of the New Zealand Community Trust.

Gerard is passionate about sport – particularly golf, rugby and cricket. He is a former Wellington B cricket player and was on the board of the Manawatū Cricket Association for five years. He has been involved with the Marist Cricket Club since 1978.

In late 2010 Gerard was appointed to one of NZ Cricket’s advisory committees to provide input on grassroots cricket. He is also on the judging panel for the Manawatū Sports Awards.

“Palmerston North has been very good to my brother and myself and our families. I would encourage any young person to look strongly at the opportunities that the city provides when looking for their career path and a great place to raise a family.”