Bay of Plenty entrepreneur and co-founder of local charitable trust, the Wright Family Foundation, Wayne Wright has been selected as a 2016 King's High School Wall of Fame inductee for his achievements in business.

The prestigious award sees the Ernst & Young Master Class Entrepreneur of the Year join the likes of politician and All Black Chris Laidlaw, renowned artist Grahame Sydney and former New Zealand Foreign Service officer Malcolm Templeton on the walls of the Dunedin secondary school.

It recognises the King's Old Boy for his hard work and dedication from a young age and honours his outstanding achievements as a self-made success story.

Rector Dan Reddiex says the Wall of Fame is reserved for men who possess great talent and character, and is thrilled to see Wayne joining the ranks.

'Wayne is a humble man who makes things happen. He is individualistic and self-motivated to succeed, and I congratulate him on his fantastic achievements.”

Wayne, 70, says he's honoured by the induction, to be placed alongside other Kiwi men of outstanding accomplishments and have his own acknowledged by his former school.

'To be selected as an outstanding former pupil with some of the top men in this country is truly humbling. Thank you to those who see something in me worth recognising – I'm very grateful.”

Wayne has built a diverse portfolio of business ventures, including the manufacture and construction of crib walls, kiwifruit syndication, telecommunications, property, websites and childcare.

In his role as Wright Family Foundation co-founder and trustee, Wayne is a trustee of the New Zealand Plain Speaking Awards, a Plunket NZ Gold Sponsor, supporter of the New Zealand Spelling Bee and this year the Kids' Lit Quiz World Championships.

He is also a trustee of the King's High School Charitable Trust. 'It's always been about people and what we can do to make people's lives better,” says Wayne, of his entrepreneurial history.

'I've never been interested in a making a lot of money, but making a difference where it counts. And I'm happy that I've been able to do just that.”

Wayne was inducted into the King's High School Wall of Fame on August 18 at a ceremony at the school.