Dr Wilson played a crucial role in the establishment of the Hansells Sculpture Awards, which was the only national sculpture competition at the time.
The awards are remembered by many prominent sculptors of today as being an important step in their careers.
They continued throughout the 70s and into the early 80s until Hansells ceased sponsorship.
"It was a big thing for Masterton to have something like that, at the time, and he was the instigator.
"He's made a difference to the museum world in New Zealand, he's been a very influential person," Ms Reid said.
Dr Wilson resigned from the Arts Centre in July 1971, leaving Masterton to study at the University of Nijmegan, in Holland.
He later became a director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, director of the National Gallery of Victoria, in Melbourne, founding director of the Voyager Maritime Museum and an arts administrator and activist.
As director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum for 13 years, he helped transform it into an institution of international standing, pushing through its $115 million expansion.
Dr Wilson was the Arts Foundation governor from 2002 to 2010.
In a statement, the foundation said Dr Wilson was "an excellent advocate for the visual arts".
"Rodney provided a confident voice for architecture, furniture design and sculpture at selection meetings. We will miss Rodney's advice, his warm smile and laughter."
He died peacefully at his Mt Wellington home on Saturday after a battle with prostate cancer.
He is survived by wife Maureen, sons Marc and Leon and stepsons Jeremy and Tim.
Dr Wilson had been a stalwart of the cultural sector for over 40 years.
