Congratulation to our inaugural Business and Leadership Award recipient.

Philip Carter is a man whose name has become synonymous with visionary leadership, civic service, and enduring contribution to Canterbury and beyond.

While his accomplishments may need little introduction to many of us here, this occasion calls for reflection on the scale and significance of his work, both as a businessman and as a leader in our wider community.

Armed with a first-class honour’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury, Philip followed in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Maurice Carter, quite literally building on the Carter legacy of quality and excellence in design. From his early projects - Hyde Park, Regents Park, and the Avon Motor Lodge,  to the transformation of landmark city sites like the Holiday Inn City Centre and the Regent Theatre building, Philip’s impact on the Christchurch cityscape is unmistakable.

When the Canterbury earthquakes reshaped our city, they could have signalled a retreat. But not for Philip. Instead, they ignited his resolve. With vision and determination, and with the next generation of Carters now alongside him, he reimagined the city he calls home. Projects like The Crossing, Christchurch’s premier retail hub, and The Regent office development in Cathedral Square are shining examples of his commitment to revitalisation and excellence.

But Philip’s leadership has extended far beyond bricks and mortar. From developing vital residential subdivisions in Halswell, Lincoln and Rolleston, to launching the i-Port Business Park in Selwyn, he has understood not just what a city needs to survive, but what it needs to thrive.

Alongside his business achievements, Philip has long been a servant of the public good. Elected to the Waimairi County Council at just 25, and later a key figure on the Christchurch City Council, he was the founding Chair of Christchurch City Holdings Limited. There, he led with distinction, perhaps most notably through a strategic transaction that returned $600 million to the city, a figure that would exceed $1 billion in today’s terms.

He has given generously of his time, energy and resources to support the arts, community initiatives, and national institutions, including his service on the boards of Orion, Enerco, Christchurch International Airport, and Te Papa Tongarewa.

Philip Carter embodies the values we celebrate; vision, leadership, and service. He is an exemplar of the spirit of the St Bede’s Old Boys’ Association, and it is with great pride that we announce Philip as our very first recipient of the St Bede’s College Old Boys’ Association Business and Leadership Award.

As Philip was unable to attend the Annual Dinner, his daughter Nicki attended and accepted the award on his behalf. When notified of the award whist overseas, Philip said “It is a surprise and an honour to be offered this award from the Old Boys’ Association. I’m really grateful to be considered for this and I’m pleased to accept it. St Bede’s was the foundation of my education and taught me the need and drive to work hard - and to be passionate about the results and outcomes".