Michael Friedlander, a Partner of Keegan Alexander since 1962 and then a Consultant from January 2003 to the present day, has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to philanthropy. In addition to his extensive property and commercial leasing practice and substantial business interests, Sir Michael has been a major philanthropist: his Friedlander Foundation has been active in charitable givings since the 1960s. The partnership congratulates Sir Michael upon his well-merited Knighthood.
Sir Michael said in his press statement:
The Friedlander Foundation has sought to address the concerns of the vulnerable, to reduce inequality and to ensure that the young are equipped to take full advantage of life’s opportunities.
This contribution is being made not for any personal acknowledgement or praise, but in the hope and expectation that New Zealanders can make real progress on social issues, and lead the way internationally in so doing.
The award is accepted on the behalf of the organizations, supported by the Foundation, who continue to deliver results for the vulnerable Kiwis they seek to serve. They sign up to the Foundation’s strict requirements of identifying the outcomes sought, agreeing to benchmarking the steps taken to achieve the outcome, and being accountable for progress made. It’s not enough to hope for good outcomes, we need to deliver them.
Sir Michael will continue to practice at the firm 5 days per week and remain available to clients wishing to tap his significant property law expertise and commercial acumen.