Career
He is one of the wealthiest men in New Zealand according to the New Zealand National Business Review. Heatley set up Rainbow Corporation in the 1980s which had interests in Woolworths supermarkets, entertainment theme parks and property. Rainbow was acquired by Brierley Investments in the late 80"s to gain control of Rainbows significant stake in Woolworths.
Rainbow shareholders agreed to a stock swap deal worth $500 million, of which Heatley controlled 20%.
Heatley was appointed to the Brierley board. He then went on to set up Sky Network Television, Famously with a personal investment of only $1, he managed to turn it into New Zealand"s only pay television provider and one of the 10 largest New Zealand companies, whilst still retaining a 15% stake.
Heatley has since sold his stake in Sky Network Television, and now has diversified interests throughout New Zealand, Asia and the United States. which include property, infrastructure, equities and aviation. He is also a major player in the New Zealand private equity and currency markets.
He was born in Lower Hutt and educated at Heretaunga College and the Victoria University of Wellington.
A keen avatior he is one of a very few New Zealanders to own their own private jet, a $30m Bombardier Global. He owns several properties in New Zealand (including a private island) and the United States. Where he is Chairman of the Masters Tournament Media Committee.