Pioneer of dairying
WEST Coast farmer John O’Connor, MNZM, father of Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, was a pioneer for dairying in the Buller district.
Mr O’Connor died this week, in Westport, aged 90.
He was a Nuffield Scholar, national dairy chairman and West Coast provincial president for Federated Farmers, and served for 48 years as a director on the Buller Valley, Karamea and Westland Dairy companies.
Federated Farmers’ national president and fellow Coaster Katie Milne, said Mr O’Connor deservedly achieved recognition for dedicating his life to the rural community.
‘‘He was always genuine and encouraged those he met with an interest in farmer politics, offering advice freely from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
‘‘He epitomised the true West Coaster spirit through his determination and resilience to withstand the local climatic extremes.
‘‘The West Coast farming community has lost one it its biggest battlers. He will be sorely missed.’’
A keen sports follower and marathon runner, Mr O’Connor was an active member of the West Coast Rural Support Trust, even in his later life.
Close friend Ian Robb remembers Mr O’Connor’s engaging sense of humour and strong moral values.
‘‘John had a kind, wonderful personality. He could relate to most people and the trials and tribulations they faced as farmers.
‘‘He would always back the underdog and would seek out those doing it tough, and this was before the days of the rural support trusts.
‘‘As his name goes, he definitely had that Irish charm. He was also a great orator and was adept at getting his point of view over in difficult conversations, without offending anyone.’’
Mr O’Connor died at the O’Conor Memorial Home in Westport.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Del, six children and 20 grandchildren. — NZN