New Zealand’s richest now worth $129b as billionaire ranks swell

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The combined wealth of New Zealand’s richest people has climbed to $129 billion, according to the latest NBR Rich List, with the number of billionaires rising sharply and technology entrepreneurs driving much of the growth.

The 2026 NBR Rich List, released on Monday, estimates the collective wealth of the country’s 150 richest individuals and families at $129b, up from $102.1b a year ago and more than 23 times the $5.3b recorded when the list was first published in 1986.

The annual ranking found there are now 26 billionaires on the list, up from 18 last year and 16 the year before.

Zuru founders Nick and Mat Mowbray retained the top spot with an estimated net worth of $20b.

NBR Rich List editor Hamish McNicol said the latest figures highlighted how dramatically wealth creation had changed over the past four decade

Technology was the standout growth sector in this year’s rankings.

Among the biggest movers was rocket company founder Sir Peter Beck, whose estimated wealth surged from about $650 million last year to around $11b this year.

Beck’s rise follows the continued growth of Rocket Lab and investments in other New Zealand technology companies.

Newcomers to the list include Halter founder Craig Piggott, Supabase co-founder Paul Copplestone, basketball star Steven Adams and filmmaker James Cameron.

The 19 newcomers are collectively worth an estimated $10.22b.

McNicol said New Zealand’s technology sector was increasingly producing companies with global reach.

The Rich List has been published annually by the National Business Review since 1986 and profiles wealth creators across property, agribusiness, investment, manufacturing, technology and services.

This year’s edition also asked Rich Listers what New Zealand should look like in another 40 years, with education, productivity and climate change among the themes highlighted in responses.

Asked about the list, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said successful entrepreneurs and business owners should be celebrated.

“I think we should be celebrating success in this country,” Luxon said.

“I think people who are wealth creators and wealth generators that create jobs and opportunities for Kiwis is something that’s a good thing.”

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