Gallagher wins supreme honours as export growth tops 32 percent

Gallagher has been recognised with two significant honours at the 2025 New Zealand International Business Awards, taking home both the Supreme Award and the Best Large Business category. The accolades underline the company's ongoing expansion in international markets and the scale of its operations from its base in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Export performance

The company now generates 86 per cent of its revenue from overseas markets. Over the past year, revenue has grown by 32 per cent, reinforcing Gallagher's intention to become a NZD $1 billion global enterprise in the near future.

Gallagher's presence spans multiple sectors, with technology that supports both agritech and security industries. The company exports products to 160 countries, and says its journey includes milestones such as pioneering the electric fence and expanding into high-security solutions.

Company values

Kahl Betham, Chief Executive & Executive Director at Gallagher, emphasised the importance of the company's origins and its ongoing contribution to the local community.

"For 87 years, it has been a privilege to do what we do from Hamilton, for New Zealand, to the world," said Kahl Betham, Chief Executive & Executive Director, Gallagher.

Betham highlighted Gallagher's approach to business, community investment, and commitment to New Zealand, noting that profits are regularly reinvested into local initiatives. The company supports a range of organisations, including Coastguard New Zealand and the Waikato Rescue Helicopter, as well as local sports, arts, and education programmes.

Employee base

Gallagher employs more than 1,500 people globally, with over 1,000 staff based in New Zealand. As demand for its products continues to grow in global markets, the company reports a significant expansion in hiring, particularly for technology roles at its Hamilton base.

Betham credited the company's growth to a focus on building long-term careers and supporting employees in both New Zealand and international offices.

"We succeed because we back our people. We take a long-term view, we make decisions that matter, and we're committed to creating careers - not just jobs," said Betham.

Security credentials

Gallagher's security division supplies technology certified to the highest level of national security in four of the Five Eyes countries. Its systems are deployed at military, government, and critical infrastructure sites globally.

The company's evolution from producing agricultural machinery in the 1930s to becoming an exporter of both agricultural and security technology reflects strategic diversification aligned with emerging market needs.

Commitment to community

The business describes a model focused on reinvesting returns into projects advancing well-being and growth within New Zealand. This approach, Betham says, is tied closely to the company's broader aim to support national aspirations for increased exports.

"We're here to do more than our fair share to support the Government's goal to double exports. We've approximately doubled our revenue in the last few years, and we're well on the way to becoming a billion-dollar company," said Betham.