The Boy from Island Bay

From humble beginnings in Wellington's working class Island Bay, Ron Brierley went on to become one of New Zealand’s wealthiest businessmen. This documentary tells the story of his meteoric rise. At its peak, Brierley’s company BIL held assets worth billions, and had 150,000+ Kiwi investors. Brierley gives his take on being ousted from BIL, and the company’s mixed fortunes in the 90s. Among those interviewed are Bob Jones and Roger Douglas. After leaving BIL, Brierley moved on to investment company Guiness Peat Group, and in 2012, Mercantile Investment Company.

I think not being overambitious, always recognising limitations, and not diverting from what I call the true philosophy, that is the original philosophy of seeking out undervalued assets ... They'd be some of the reasons. And a healthy slice of luck!

– Ron Brierley, on the secret to his success

Key Cast & Crew

Ivars Berzins

Cinematographer

Richard Harman

Producer, Writer, Director

Kim Peacock

Associate Producer

Hamish Hill

Editor

Stephen Press

Camera

Craig Herd

Camera