Michael Friedlander Receives Knighthood

Long-time philanthropist and property investor Sir Michael Friedlander says he has "come to terms with" receiving a knighthood this Queen's Birthday.

Friedlander, who is also one of the country's wealthiest people, was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy.

In 2015, he was named the third wealthiest individual on National Business Review Rich List, with a value of $1.4 billion.

His property investment company Samson Corporation was incorporated in 1946 and is owned by Friedlander and sons Daniel Friedlander and Jason Friedlander.

Through the Friedlander Foundation, he has contributed to a number of local businesses and organisations in Auckland since the 1960s.

Fiercely private and media shy, Friedlander refused to be photographed, but in a statement said the knighthood was a community achievement, rather than a personal one.

"The award is accepted on behalf of organisations supported by the foundation through continuing to deliver results for vulnerable Kiwis," he said.

In 2014 the foundation provided opportunities for 42 young people from low decile schools to register for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a youth programme that equips young people with life skills and pushes them to achieve.

Friedlander is a donor to family-focused charity Great Potentials, the Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY programme), Youthtown, Foundation for Youth Development and outdoor education organisation Outward Bound. 

He has funded research programmes for dyslexia in children and regenerative and stem cell medicine for children with severe conditions. 

Friedlander was made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2010.

 -Orignal Source: Stuff.co.nz