Supporting the leaders of tomorrow

After a long and industrious career in business, Mike Olsen is turning his attention to supporting young people to succeed.   

Being connected into the community has been important to Mike from an early age. “I remember as a 13-year-old racing up a ladder with my tape recorder to record the bugle player at the Paihiatua RSA Anzac Day service – it was an important event for us locally which brought everyone together.” He remembers fondly.  

A love for his community would inform every aspect of Mike’s life, including his successful business career.   

Sky’s the limit  

Mike puts much of his success down to the positive role models he had in his life, providing him with support and guidance.  

“A major influence in my life was my step-father, who was a farmer and the Chair, of what was then, Manawatu County.”  

“He was smart, and he knew he had to diversify his farming. He worked hard and got the major decisions right.” says Mike.  

Inspired to make something of himself, Mike embarked on a Jaycee leadership course which opened his eyes to his potential. He would later encourage his own children to do the same.  

At the age of 25 Mike owned his own supermarket. By 27 he was on the board of Foodstuffs (the youngest Board member in their history).  

Despite a full career, community would continue to be a large focus of his time.  

“Wherever I have lived, it has been important to me to get involved. From non-profits to schools, local business networks and associations.” says Mike.  

Mike has held chairmanship and presidency roles at numerous organisations including Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce, Wellington Chamber Board, Dannevirke District Council, Kāpiti Club and EMS New Zealand.  

Unlocking potential  

Inspired by his career and the people he had met along the way, Mike and his wife Margaret felt driven to do more.  

“Not everyone has positive role models in their life like I did. I wanted to do something which enabled every young person to see their potential and set them on the path to becoming a future leader. It was important for us to do this close to our home on the Kāpiti Coast.”  

Setting up a fund with Nikau Foundation seemed the right fit for Mike and Margaret. They knew that one gift couldn’t solve everything, but by investing in their local community foundation, that gift would provide long-term, sustainable support for charities and schools working with Kāpiti youth to reach their aspirations.  

We have a few programmes in this country for the ones who aren’t doing so well,” says Mike. “There aren’t so many for those who already aspire to be better. The ones who already have self-determination are tomorrow’s future leaders. That’s why, in planning our fund, we wanted their to be a focus on programmes such as Outward Bound and Rotary leadership.” 

Mike has always believed in supporting community to the level of what you can afford in time and effort. 

“It’s everybody’s job to help the community and make this a better place to live, and many do. Some people get involved in sport or volunteer in other ways. Everyone can contribute a little bit.” 

Help us to support more Kāpiti youth fulfill their dreams by making a gift to the Mike and Margaret Olsen Fund.