Top science innovator leaves valuable legacy
A leading South Auckland academic and agricultural scientist has died.
Mangere resident Trevor Ellett passed away on October 12 aged 95.
The Massey Agricultural College graduate and a staff member was a long-time benefactor of Massey University in Manawatu.
Ellett enrolled at the tertiary institution before World War II but interrupted his studies to serve in the New Zealand Army.
He graduated with a bachelor of agricultural science degree in 1945.
Ellett taught at the university before returning to his family’s farm in Ihumatao Rd, Mangere, in the early 1950s.
He found the farm’s naturally adapted ryegrass was outperforming newer cultivations and ran trials to prove his assertions when his claims were met with scepticism.
That led to grass ‘‘germplasm’’ from the farm being adopted by leading seed producers to create the ‘Nui’ and ‘Ellett’ ryegrass varieties.
In 1979 he founded a research trust to benefit the agricultural industry.
Trustee Noel Johnston says for the past 37 years the trust has supported Massey University’s agricultural research projects and helped to cover travel costs for collaboration with overseas universities.
It’s donated more than $500,000 to support research projects since 2008.
Massey University associate professor Cory Matthew is a grant recipient. He estimates it’s supported more than 20 agricultural projects at the university.
‘‘If I count the total support to Massey’s graduate students in the past 15 years, it likely exceeds $200,000, and may well approach $300,000 to $400,000.’’
Massey University Foundation director Mitch Murdoch says Ellett’s 75-year connection with the university and financial support has ‘‘transformed educational and research opportunities’’.
‘‘We’re extraordinarily grateful to Trevor. His legacy will continue for years to come.’’
The New Zealand Grassland Trust presented Ellett with the Ray Brougham Trophy in the 1990s. The prize is given annually to a person associated with the pastoral farming industry who’s made an outstanding national contribution over their working career.
Ellett had five children, eight grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. His funeral was held in Mangere on October 19.