Top honours for New Zealand print identity

A lifetime of community involvement in and out of the NZ printing industry sees Murray Ferris, manager of Te Rau Design and Print, make the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order on the New Year Honours List.

60-year-old Ferris (pictured) was “pleasantly surprised” when he learnt that he had made the Honours List. “It was a humbling experience – and anyone who knows me knows that I’m not particularly humble!” he said, admitting that: “It’s nice to know that people appreciate what you do.”

In addition to his work with PrintNZ, Ferris is a driving force behind the Relay for Life Cancer Society, the Gisborne Car Club, school playground restoration and the Motu Environmental Trust and even playing Santa Claus in the school parade.

According to Joan Grace, chief executive PrintNZ, Ferris has played a pivotal role in supporting apprenticeship training along with providing training opportunities to each of his 17 staff at the Gisborne-based Te Rau Design and Print.

“Murray has been a regional representative of the PrintNZ Management Advisory Group for many years now and his contribution to PrintNZ and the print industry has been significant,” she said.

“Murray has a larger-than-life presence and doesn't hold back when offering his opinions and debating ideas.”

Balancing work as a printer and work in the community is no easy task, but Ferris attributes support from colleagues and wife, Leslie, as the key. “The owner of Te Rau encourages me to do it [volunteering]. We’re a small community so we need to pitch in and help each other out,” he said.

Beginning sweeping the floors aged 14 at his uncle, Max Stephens’ printing factory, Ferris went on to complete a book binding apprenticeship and has worked in the printing industry for 42 years. He has no plans of leaving anytime soon.

“I’m passionate about printing and will stay in it as long as I have more good days than bad ones,” he said.