Hartley and Marree Atkinson are the founders and majority owners of AFT Pharmaceuticals, a company that has rapidly grown into a global pharmaceutical player, now listed on the NZX and ASX.

AFT develops and sells a diverse range of pharmaceutical products in over 70 countries worldwide. With direct operations in key locations including Takapuna, Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Detroit, Toronto, Ireland, and London, AFT Pharmaceuticals has established a strong international presence. Despite this global focus, the company’s headquarters remain rooted in Takapuna, reflecting its commitment to the local community.

AFT Pharmaceuticals has been a corporate member of the North Harbour Club (NHC) for a couple of years, with Hartley and Marree leading the way. Their decision to join the Club was motivated by the desire to foster local connections for their staff, many of whom reside on the North Shore. With much of their work centered on international markets, the Atkinsons recognised the importance of grounding their team in local interactions, a challenge given the company’s significant global expansion, which has seen sales quadruple to $200 million in the past four years.

The Atkinsons and their team have found great value in the NHC membership, particularly enjoying the lunch meetings and the insights from guest speakers. They are eager to further engage locally and give back to the community, aligning with their company’s broader philanthropic efforts, which have included significant contributions to health initiatives in Nepal and the Pacific Islands.

Hartley and Marree emphasise the enduring value of face-to-face networking, even in an increasingly digital world. They have built lasting relationships within the NHC, particularly enjoying interactions with local members like Gary Monk and Aidan Bennett. For the Atkinsons, the opportunity to contribute locally through the NHC is meaningful, particularly in supporting the region’s youth through initiatives like the AIMES Awards.