Honours for rural sector

Two Hamilton scientists who have made significant contributions to the prosperity of differing agricultural sectors have received Queen's Birthday Honours.

And two men who gained high profiles during the financial ups and downs of the kiwifruit, deer and wine industries have also been recognised.

The former head of the Meat Industry Research Institute, Dr Doug Wright, has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, (CNZM) for services to agricultural science stretching back 42 years.

Dr Wright retired in 1992 when he gave up the directorship of the institute, but his services were immediately sought for other roles.

In 1992, he was acting chief scientist for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, where he continues as a consultant. In 1994 he was appointed chairman of a 15-person panel to recommend priorities for the Public Good Science Fund. Dr Wright chairs a national science strategy committee on possum and bovine TB control, and also a Waikato Regional Council biosecurity committee. He also chairs a transtasman advisory group on marsupial research.

Also in the Hamilton agricultural science community, Dr Pat Shannon shares a similar-length career. He retired from Livestock Improvement in 1990 after 41 years of industry service but continues to consult and research.

Dr Shannon's advances in the areas of semen technology and genetic gain have made New Zealand a world leader in artificial breeding. He was awarded the Queen's Service Order (QSO).

The chairman of the Kiwifruit Marketing Board during its 1992 financial crisis, John Palmer, was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Mr Palmer, a Nelson orchardist, chaired the board until 1997, overseeing the industry's transition from crisis to a robust commercial position which has resulted in the board delivering a record $410.7 million to growers for the 1998 season.

The former chairman of both the Game Industry Board and NZ Wine Exports, Richard Riddiford, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to the deer and wine industries.

Mr Riddiford, now the director of the NZ Wine Guild and the managing director of Palliser Estate Wines, has held a variety of roles during his 10-year involvement with both industries.