Harold Meffey Price (Harry) attended King’s High School from 1956 - 1960. "Mr Price's leadership resulted in Westpac becoming the largest bank in New Zealand"...

Harry had a fairly laid-back time during his five years at King’s. He was remembered as a cheerful, fun sort of guy who got on well with others. He gained School Certificate in 1959 and an Endorsed School Certificate in 1960.

On leaving King’s Harry joined the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) in 1961. As a “late developer” who had matured over his school years, he found the bank provided him with the opportunities, motivation and drive he needed. He started as a junior in Dunedin and moved up the bank’s ranks as a loyal employee for the next 40 years. He worked in several senior executive positions, including New Zealand's Chief Executive from 1992 to 1999. He then held a senior role with Westpac in Sydney.

In 2000, Australia's former Westpac Banking Corporation CEO, David Morgan, said: "Mr Price's leadership has resulted in Westpac becoming the largest bank in New Zealand". Westpac’s growth under Harry included the acquisition of Trust Bank in 1996 for $1.3 billion.

Harry was appointed as Chief Executive with a brief to implement change, boost efficiency and customer satisfaction, and turn the bank around with a new strategic direction. 

Within a few short years, New Zealand's Westpac was outperforming its Australian parent. Harry was the first Kiwi to be appointed leader of Westpac New Zealand and the first not to have previously worked at Westpac's Australian headquarters.

Throughout his four decades, Harry was viewed as a strong advocate for women in the banking profession, with many since acknowledging the break he gave them.

As Chief Executive, he worked tirelessly to ensure Westpac New Zealand maintained as much autonomy as possible yet played a key role in the group. "Basically, I don't want to see this bank do what all the others have done, and that is everything ends up in Australia," he said in 1999.

For years he fought for Westpac New Zealand to be listed on the local share market and at the end of his tenure was successful. At the time, he said "the move was not driven by a need to raise capital but to get more New Zealanders owning the shares".

After leaving the bank in the early 2000s, Harry took on several company directorships.

Sadly, Harry recently passed away.  Our condolences to Harry's family and friends.