From left: Former National cabinet minster and Massey University alumnus Hon John Luxton QSO, CNZM, Lady Rae Frampton and Sir Alan Frampton KNZM in 2002 at a cocktail party during an Agriculture and Horticulture Reunion Week.
Born in Morrinsville in 1929, Sir Alan began his working life as a farmer before embarking on an academic career that would leave a profound mark on Massey University and Aotearoa New Zealand’s agricultural sector. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Agricultural Science degrees at Massey University, graduating with first class honours, and later completed a PhD in agricultural economics at New York’s prestigious Cornell University.
Appointed to the Walter Clarke Buchanan Chair in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in 1968, Sir Alan went on to serve as Dean of Massey University’s Faculty of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences from 1978 to 1983. A visionary academic leader, he played a pivotal role in shaping business and agricultural economics education at the university and promoted the establishment of the first Chair in Marketing in New Zealand, the Centre for Agricultural Policy Studies and the Market Research Centre. His influence continues to this day as the agribusiness area, encompassing bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees, remain a popular course choice for students.
Sir Alan was appointed as an Assistant to then Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Stewart to oversee the management of the university's farms and achieved considerable increases in the efficiency of them. He retired from Massey University in 1983.
From left: Professor Ian Campbell, Professor Alan Frampton, Professor Bram Watkin and Professor Robert Anderson in 2002 at an Agriculture and Horticulture Reunion Week dinner.
Sir Alan held numerous leadership roles across the agricultural and research sectors. He was the first Chairman of the Board of AgResearch from 1992 to 1996, President of the New Zealand Association of Crown Research Institutes, and a ministerial appointee on the New Zealand Dairy Board from 1973 to 1993. He also served as Chair of the Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company Limited and Chair of Dairy InSight.
In 2002, Massey University awarded Sir Alan with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, applied research and primary industry development in New Zealand.
Sir Alan is fondly remembered for his intellect, integrity and deep commitment to agriculture, education and public service. He was a risk taker who dared to move the traditional agricultural and horticultural education and research beyond the farm gate into business and value-added thinking.
He is survived by his children Colin and Ann, their families, and the many colleagues, students and friends who benefited from his leadership and wisdom.
A service to celebrate his life was held at All Saints Chapel, Purewa Cemetery, Meadowbank, Auckland on Thursday 16 April.
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