COMPANYHISTORIES

New Zealand

Companies based in New Zealand, and the events that shaped them.

6companies1940–2001founding years5still active1no longer operating
§ 01

New Zealand companies over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironmentHistory
FoundedAir New Zealand Limited
1940
1945
EconomyThe war ends; a long global expansion begins.
1946
TechnologyENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, is unveiled.
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented.
1955
EconomyMcDonald's franchising begins, remaking fast food.
EconomyDisneyland opens and invents the modern theme park.
1956
TechnologyThe first transatlantic telephone cable opens.
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
EconomyThe first Walmart opens, built on everyday low prices.
1969
TechnologyARPANET, the internet's precursor, goes live.
FoundedCarter Holt Harvey Ltd.FoundedWattie's Ltd.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; currencies float.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins.
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher worldwide.
FoundedFletcher Challenge Ltd.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
TechnologyThe first US in-vitro fertilization baby is born.
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
FoundedTelecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall sharply around the world.
1989
HistoryThe Berlin Wall falls; global markets open up.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
TechnologyLinux and open source challenge proprietary software.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1994
TechnologyE-commerce begins to disrupt retail.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
1999
TechnologyNapster ignites the digital disruption of recorded music.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
TechnologyGPS opens to civilian use, turning location into a utility.
FoundedFonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd.
2001
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit worldwide.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Air New Zealand Limited →
Active · founded 1940 · New Zealand
Air New Zealand Limited (ANZ) is New Zealand's largest airline.
Carter Holt Harvey Ltd. →
Active · founded 1971 · New Zealand
A leading producer of wood fiber and forestry-based products in New Zealand and Australia, Carter Holt Harvey Ltd.
Wattie's Ltd. →
Active · founded 1971 · New Zealand
Wattie's Ltd., which became a subsidiary of the multibillion dollar American firm H.
Fletcher Challenge Ltd. →
Defunct · founded 1981 · New Zealand
Fletcher Challenge Ltd., New Zealand's largest group of companies, specializes in transforming resources into…
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited →
Active · founded 1987 · New Zealand
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited is that country's dominant telecommunications company, providing fixed line…
Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd. →
Active · founded 2001 · New Zealand
The Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd.
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