I. Donald

This year Ian Donald received Lincoln University's top medal for outstanding contributions advancing New Zealand's land-based interests.

Ian was a student at Lincoln University, then known as Canterbury Agricultural College, in 1957-58 and he completed a Diploma in Agriculture with Distinction and a Diploma in Valuation and Farm Management, winning the Gold Medal.

It is a rare double - Gold Medal and Bledisloe Medal.

To his Lincoln diplomas he subsequently added a Commerce degree from Victoria University
and accounting qualifications.

Ian began his career in 1960 with AMP and posts in both New Zealand and Australia . In 1972 he joined Challenge Corporation and held senior financial and management positions and a place on the board. In 1982 after the merger of Challenge Corporation, Fletcher Holdings and Tasman Pulp and Paper, Ian became Executive Director responsible for the Rural Trading Sector.
Fletcher Challenge - New Zealand's largest public company of its day - stamped its mark on the rural economy and national prosperity. It was an exciting commercial era and Ian was at the centre of it.

From 1985-1992 his career led to Canada and forestry and ultimately to the post of CEO of Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd. Back in New Zealand in 1992, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Fletcher Challenge. Other posts held have included Chairmanship of Landcare Research, for five years, and membership of Lincoln University Council, nine years.