Sir Paul Callaghan a 'great' of New Zealand science

Federated Farmers is saddened by news of Sir Paul Callaghan's untimely death at the age of 64. Sir Paul was a towering figure in New Zealand science who passionately believed innovation was the key to our future prosperity.

"I think I speak for many in New Zealand's farming and scientific communities in saying Sir Paul's passing is a major loss," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Vice-President who is also chair of the Ministry of Science and Innovation's Innovation Board.

"I feel Sir Paul being named New Zealander of the Year in 2011 sums up the esteem in which he was held. Sir Paul made complex science not only accessible but real and dynamic. He was a compelling and engaging speaker with an empathic sense of humour that I will miss.

"As a farmer and a biotechnologist, you could hold robust discussions with Sir Paul who passionately extolled the physical sciences. Despite this, he remained what every good scientist ought to be and that is open-minded and receptive to new ideas.

"Last June, at Federated Farmers national conference, Sir Paul laid down a national challenge to rebrand away from 100% Pure to 100% Smart. 100% Smart encapsulates science, which is so critical to what we do as farmers.

"It was also my hope that Sir Paul would have been able to join us for September's Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference in Rotorua. That conference to me is about being smart and unified his physical sciences passion with mine for the biological.

"The word 'great' is often over-used these days, but if any one New Zealander deserves that epithet for doing good, it most certainly applies to Sir Paul Callaghan," Dr Rolleston concluded. For further information:

Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Vice-President, 0272 460 634