John Hagen - BCom, MCom (Hons)
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu NZ chairman John Hagen believes strongly in business ethics, personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to finance. The Business School alumnus has spent 25 years at the forefront of developing New Zealand's financial reporting standards.
John completed a Bachelor of Commerce in 1967 and an MCom (Hons) in Accounting in 1969. He then travelled to Canada and completed a MBA in Finance at the University of British Columbia.
"Having studied at The University of Auckland, I found I had a much better grounding in a technical sense than many of the other students at UBC," he says.
Returning to New Zealand in the mid-'70s, John became heavily involved in his chosen profession. He has spent the past 10 years as Chairman of the Accounting Standards Review Board, was President of the Institute of Accountants in 1994 and has spent 25 years on the development of accounting standards in New Zealand and internationally.
"I'm a firm believer in business ethics and my involvement in the professional body has definitely been a career highlight."
In 2003, John received a Distinguished Alumni Award, honouring his contribution to the development of accounting and auditing standards in New Zealand. The annual awards recognise alumni of the University who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and the nation.
Over the past 20 years, John has seen many changes occur in the professional business community.
"Through the '80s and '90s, there was a significant increase in competitiveness and many of the old professional types disappeared. Most of these changes have been for the good, but there has also been a slide in real living standards here in New Zealand, particularly in relation to Australia. I see this as a serious problem for this country in the future."
John frequently acts as an expert witness in cases involving accounting and finance issues and matters of dispute that go before arbitration and the courts. He is also the current Director of the Auckland City Mission.
John has been married to his wife Barbara for over 30 years and they have 2 children.
John received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.
