Wenceslaus Anthony

Vailankanni Wenceslaus Melchoir Anthony (28 September 1957 – 23 July 2017) was an Indian-origin New Zealand businessman. He was a recipient of the title, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

Early years & Career in India Anthony was born on 28 September 1957 in Myanmar, to an Indian family. He graduated with a B.Com (Hons) from St Xavier's college Kolkata, then an M.B.A. from Loyola College, Chennai. He was married to Susan and the couple had two children, Sneha and Akash (died July 2020).

Anthony started his career at Godrej and Boyce and subsequently moved to Hindustan Computers Ltd. Later, he became the Deputy Director and Secretary to the Board of Studies for Loyola Institute of Business Administration in the well known Loyola College, Chennai, India.

Career and other appointments in New Zealand Anthony migrated to New Zealand in 1999 and established WAML Group with offices in New Zealand, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and other countries.

Anthony was passionate about education and was also the Chairperson of Business Advisory Group of International College of Auckland The college has instituted a student scholarship in his name. He was the first person of Indian origin to be appointed Chair of the India New Zealand Business Council -INZBC that looks after Trade and Business between India and New Zealand and completed his term in June 2013. He was the head of Government Relations in INZBC. He continued to be actively involved in India New Zealand trade relations. He was a special guest at the fourth anniversary of the New Zealand branch of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held at Alexandra Park in Greenlane, Auckland on Saturday, 27 October 2012 . The Hon'ble Speaker of India Parliament, on her official visit to New Zealand, presented a memento to Anthony in appreciation of his contribution to the community.

Faith and other community activities Anthony was a practising Catholic and was involved in many church and community activities. He was appointed to the board of the Catholic Caring Foundation by the Most Reverend Patrick Dunn (bishop) Bishop of Auckland. Having known and worked closely with the late Mother Teresa he was the chairman of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee, which organises yearly gatherings on Mother's birthday between people of different faiths and religious leaders to honour her work of reaching out to all people irrespective of religion and background. He was also in charge of the New Zealand branch of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor. He was the founder Director of Conquest Club in New Zealand which aims to form young men to grow in character and virtue to be future leaders in their community and was also a member of various other church and community organisations.

Honours

In the 2014 New Year Honours, Anthony was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to New Zealand–India relations. Functions to honour his achievement by the various communities he served in were held across Auckland and in India. In 2017, he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice decoration of the Roman Catholic Church. Wenceslaus Anthony Commemoration Award is an annual award, instituted in honor of Anthony, to recognize excellence in business and accounting & taxation.

Death Anthony died on 23 July 2017 at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, due to multiple organ failure. His death was mourned by numerous friends and associates all over the world including condolences from Members of Parliament, former Prime Ministers of New Zealand Sir John Key, Sir Bill English, Former Governor General Sir Anand Satyananad, Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bishop of Auckland Patrick Dunn, Archbishop of Chennai George Antonysamy, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai and many other business and religious leaders.

Positions held Position Institution Chairman & Managing Director WAML Group Chairman & Director Pact Industries Pty Ltd Chairman India New Zealand Business Council-INZBC Head Government Relations-INZBC Director Bank of Baroda NZ Advisory board member New Zealand India Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington Chairperson Multicultural NZ Business Advisory Board Chairperson Business Advisory Group, International College of Auckland Director Swansky Limited