New Zealand Queens Birthday Honours: Avon Cook
Auckland businessman Avon Cook has been named in the New Zealand Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Avon Cook
Avon Cook was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the manufacturing industry.
Cook, a pioneer entrepreneur says he has always been strong in business and sport and has been in business in New Zealand since 1946.
“ I had no academic qualification,” says Cook who left school at 18.
Learning from his form master at Auckland Grammar School “that the essential requirements when you went out into the cruel hard world were the letters CS – common sense.
“I feel very humble. When once commences a career it never enters one’s mind that your life’s work might be considered a contribution to New Zealand.
“You just have a passion to succeed honourably,” Cook says.
Cook feels proud of his achievement but equally proud to be standing as a member of the Jewish community here in New Zealand and says it’s good to show that “Jewish people here contribute to New Zealand society.”
Cook is a second generation Jew, whose grandparents – the Hoffers, immigrated from White Russia to Wellington in the 1780’s. They were traders and kept a Kosher home. On reflection, Cook says: “My Jewish upbringing and our loving family life fashioned and built my character and desire to do what is right.”
Cook is the director of Novateck International and director of Fabriell International – a leading medical, industrial and food processing protection supplier.
Over the years, Cook has contributed significantly to the successful development of several businesses in New Zealand and abroad, as well as to a variety of charities.
In 2011, Fabricell donated $250,000 worth of product to the Christchurch Earthquake Disaster Fund.
Under his guidance the company has experienced significant growth and has a strong export market, with Fabricell as the main supplier of disposable medical gloves to the South East Asian market.
Cook says that today 90% of the lamb exports are shipped in a patent wrap that he pioneered and developed. The wrap enables meat to last 14 weeks in a standard freezer, arriving fresh and ready for converting on arrival.
Among Cook’s colourful and diverse work history he has applied himself in a range of industries that include: Textiles, engineering, advertising and protective garments.
Cook says that vision, passion, sales, and choice of people are key commonalities that have forged a rich tapestry for his life-long success.
“It never enters ones mind that the challenges you meet and the interesting exposure to business will be recognized.
“It was reward enough to have met some wonderful people along the way and still keep their friendship,” says Cook.
As well as his success in business, Cook is a dynamic member of the Auckland Jewish Community and a member of the Grafton United Cricket Club.
Hasn’t the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs objected strongly to this?
Avon Cook also has one of the most astute and perceptive political minds I have ever encountered. He is also a past stalwart of the Gold Coast Jewish community where we met and collaborated for two very special years. Mazal Tov Avon! Bis 120.
My mother, Daphne Schroder grew up with Avon and passes her congrats and best wishes to him. What an honour from the little boy I grew up with, although he was younger than her, she is presently 94.5yrs old. Avon, we are both very proud of you, take a bow.
Who is Daphne Schroder?I thout he grew up with Yetta, Sadie and Harry?
Ithought he grew up with his sister Yetta,and cousins Sadie and Harry.Who is Daphne Schroder?
Must have the wrong Avon Cook.He grew up with his sister Yetta, and his cousins Harry and Sadie.
narcissistic and opinionated
Mr Sanders,
Do you know Avon Cook personally ?