The billionaire lineup remains six-strong this year, with only two continuing to scale new heights, according to NBR.

Overall, the country's 151 richest have increased their collective fortunes by 18 per cent to $45.2 billion, following last year's dip in wealth after the global financial crisis.

Hart, an Aucklander, first made his millions in printing and publishing, then food and timber and has now amassed a global packaging empire. His fortune has jumped 18 per cent from last year's estimated $5.5b.

Waikato's Richard Chandler is snapping at Hart's heels with his $4b fortune.

Chandler, who split from his fellow billionaire brother Christopher in 2007, nearly trebled his wealth in the past 12 months from $1.4 billion the year before.

Much of Chandler's wealth comes from the emerging economies of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

The Wellington-based Todd dynasty, with diverse investments, slipped from number two to number three with a fortune remaining at $2.7b.

Likewise, Irish-born Central Otago farmer and property billionaire Eamon Cleary slipped to number four from number three, though his fortune held at $2b.

Coming fifth-equal with fortunes of $1.5b are Auckland's Lynne Erceg, widow of alcopop baron Michael Erceg, and Christopher Chandler, who now runs a global investment fund.

As would be expected, Auckland produced most of the top 10.

This year's list features 99 men, only four women, 41 families and seven pairs, with $50m remaining the entry hurdle.

Newcomers are Wellington's John Holdsworth who owns more than half of Datacom Group, the largest Kiwi-owned IT company; Auckland gym king Philip Mills and his wife Jackie, founders of Les Mills International; construction and roading industry leaders the Fulton ($295m) and Hogan $180m) families, owners of Christchurch-headquartered Fulton Hogan; and Christchurch's Neil Graham ($65m), co-founder of transport and freight firm Mainfreight.

NBR said newly available information resulted in the five new entrants.

Wellington's next richest, behind the Todd family, is film mogul Sir Peter Jackson who slipped one notch to number 12, though his wealth increased to $560m from last year's $500m.

Wellington-based IT whiz Sam Morgan dropped to 21 from 19, but his estimated wealth increased to $305m from $300m.

TOP TEN
1 Graeme Hart $6.5b

2 Richard Chandler $4b

3 Todd Family $2.7b

4 Eamon Cleary $2b

5= Lynette Erceg $1.5b

5= Christopher Chandler $1.5b

6= Michael Friedlander $900m

6= Owen Glenn $900m

6= Stephen Jennings $900m

7 Goodman Family $850m

8 Sir Douglas Myers $800m

9= Sir Michael Fay $725 million

9= David Richwhite $725 million

10 Spencer family $650 million