John Anderson
Blue Print – Blue Sky
John Anderson was born in Wellington, educated at Scots College and Victoria University where he studied for an accounting degree. At the age of 22 he left New Zealand for the United Kingdom on a one year “Overseas Experience”. He returned some 20 years later with his wife Alison, four children and an international business – Contiki Holidays.

After a few months in London, John’s desire to see Europe was overwhelming but he had insufficient funds to achieve this. With just 25 pounds he found a way to not only see Europe, but start his own business. When John eventually sold the company it was, and remains, one of the world’s major tour operators. Contiki is now firmly established as an international “brand” name. It is a household name in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. An estimated 1.6 million passengers have already travelled with Contiki.

Subsequently, as a member of the Auckland Rotary Club, John conceived the idea of a major fundraising opportunity. This became The Ellerslie Flower Show, which is now established as the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. John travelled to London and met the Chelsea Flower Show organisation who assisted him with the development of the New Zealand show. He was the CEO of the event for the first year. John and Alison, wanting a change of lifestyle, now live in Marlborough. John is currently writing a book on the Contiki story.

John tells the incredible story of how he developed a simple idea into one of the worlds major tour operators. His determination to succeed, the belief in himself, his successes and failures. It is full of extremely funny and sad anecdotes.

Register online CLICK HERE