Former PrintNZ president Warren Leslie has become the fourth person in the last 17 years to be bestowed with Life Membership of PrintNZ.
PrintNZ is the industry association serving the print, packaging and visual communication industries.
Having served on the organisation’s board for 15 years, including seven as president, Leslie expressed “pleasant surprise” at being presented with the honour by fellow PrintNZ Life Member Simon Ellis at last week’s Auckland graduation ceremony.
“I had no idea — I’m far too young to get something like this,” he said.
“I am delighted and have joined some pretty esteemed people. It is very much appreciated and particularly in the circumstances — being presented at a graduation ceremony for the up and coming people in print.”
Lead type
Remaining involved with the sector through the Trust4Skills initiative and by maintaining friendships established over the years, Leslie says the industry has evolved considerably since the days of lead type when he began his career.
“Nowadays they’re printing on microchips and there are three-dimensional printers. It is continuing to change so rapidly.
From 5% female to 50%
“When I started, the industry was probably about 95% male and now it looks almost 50/50 male and female — that is also great.”
Leslie has continued a rich legacy in the print industry, which commenced with his grandfather who founded Wickliffe Press before the business was handed down to daughter, Joy Leslie.
Commencing his career as a sales rep with Wickliffe in 1978, Leslie evolved through roles in the company to ultimately become managing director in 1993 when Ms Leslie relinquished that role and became chairperson.
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