A New Zealander described as the best-connected man in London has been honoured at this country's Chief Financial Officer Awards.

Sir John Buchanan, best known for his 33 year career with BP, received the Lifetime Contribution to Finance and Business Award in Auckland last night.

His advice to others aspiring to be a leader in the world of business and finance, is to think about not just what to do to make owners prosperous, but how to do it.

"You can call it the reputation agenda. Thinking about and having policies for health, safety, environment, ethics, treatment of employees," he says.

Sir John is also chairman of UK Trustees for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and says it's tough out there competing with other worthy causes.

"There was the Japanese quake plus tsunami, and there's been floods all over the place, and so on. So part of the game is to try and keep Christchurch in the consciousness which isn't easy with so many other competing causes," he says.

Sir John is currently chairman of world number four hip and joint maker, Smith & Nephew in the UK.