Barry Curtis is a multifaceted professional with significant accomplishments in various fields. He is a former mayor, a businessman, a philanthropist, and a community leader. Curtis served as the Mayor of Manukau, Auckland, from 2004 to 2010, where he spearheaded several initiatives to improve the quality of life of residents. Before entering politics, Curtis worked in the IT sector, where he held senior management positions in multinational firms.

After his stint as Mayor, Curtis became involved with philanthropic endeavors, serving as the Chairman of the Auckland Communities Foundation, which helped connect donors with causes that benefited Aucklanders. Curtis is also the founder and chairman of the Next Foundation, which aims to fund large-scale environmental restoration projects in New Zealand.

Beyond his philanthropic work, Curtis is a prominent businessman with extensive experience in the private sector. He is the Executive Chairman of Waste Management NZ, New Zealand's largest waste management company, and a director of several other companies.

Curtis is passionate about promoting sustainable economic growth, community engagement, and innovation. He received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to society, such as the New Zealand Order of Merit and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Automative Association.