About
Lester Gray is a strategic thinker with an extreme determination to achieve goals. He believes that every person has a talent and he is passionate about helping people achieve a better life for themselves and their families.
A husband and father of 2, Lester met his wife Susanna while working on assignment in Wellington. Lester and his family enjoy a busy life but always take time out to attend church on Sundays before taking advantage of the beautiful beaches, walks and sports fields the Bay of Plenty has to offer. Keen sports people, Lester and his family are always out on bikes at Cross fit or walking the tracks. Lester has a long history in Triathlons competing in 4 New Zealand Ironmans and 10 1/2 ironman’s He has represented New Zealand at an age group world champs and raced in 5 different countries. Lester has been heavily involved with Bay of Plenty Rugby as a referee, coach and administrator.
Lester’s strategic thinking, organisational acumen and business skill saw him reach the heights of a Multinational corporate job. His commitment to professionalism and ability to resolve problems has seen him become a specialist in change management. In 2001 Lester brought his own business and developed it into 6 successful businesses over the next 8 years. Lester continues to run his businesses today as well as doing speaking engagements on “being successful in business through people”.
Lester thrives under pressure and is has been an executive member of many boards. Including Chairman of Western Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub Union, Chairman of Caltex Retailer Board, Chairman of Katikati Rugby & Sports Club as well as serving on several smaller community board committees. He is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and uses his business skills to benefit these voluntary environments.
Lester believes that New Zealand is a great country and we as New Zealanders should own it. He has associations with different cultures and emphasises the importance of culture and different ethnicities to New Zealand.
He is focused on fairness to all, devolvement and training of our people, driving economic growth through Tauranga’s businesses and putting our people at the front of the job queue. Lester believes that every New Zealander has a right to a warm dry healthy home and is entitled to feel safe walking any street in this country. That our social services are for New Zealanders and everybody should pay their share of tax including multinational companies trading here. That benefits need to be a safety umbrella not a right or a generational entitlement.
He stands strong on the fact that New Zealand should not be selling our land to foreign buyers or allowing our natural resources to be exported without a return for our country. That New Zealand Taxpayers’ incomes must rise with their cost of living.