Allan Frederick Wright

Sir Allan Wright has had a distinguished career as a farmer, a farmer politician and a businessman. He ran a mixed arable farm near Sheffield from 1946, winning the A.C. Cameron Royal Agricultural Society Gold Medal in 1973 for excellence in farming. From 1949, Allan Wright became involved in farming politics, first as a member of the Sheffield Young Farmers' Club. He later became New Zealand President of Young Farmers. Later he became involved in Federated Farmers, holding the position of national president from 1977 until 1981. In 1973, while serving as president of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, he was appointed a Government representative on the Council of Lincoln College. He remained on the Council of Lincoln College, and later Lincoln University, until 1994, becoming Chairman of the Council in 1986 and being appointed the University's first Chancellor following autonomy from the University of Canterbury in 1990. As Chairman of the Council and Chancellor, Sir Allan steered the University through the lead up to autonomy, through the major diversification of the courses offered by the University over the period 1985-1993 and through a dramatic increase in the size of the roll. His chairmanship of the Council was characterised by a consensus style and by common sense leadership. His wide experience and his extensive contacts in agriculture, business and government proved invaluable. In addition to his achievements in agriculture and education, Sir Allan has considerable experience as a company director having held directorships of Mair Astley, the Rural Bank, Alliance Textiles, Southpower, NZ Rail and others. He is presently chairperson of the board of Lincoln University's trading subsidiary Lincoln Holdings Ltd. In 1982, Allan Wright was knighted in recognition of his distinguished record of service.

Chairman, Lincoln College Council (1986-89)

Chancellor, Lincoln University (1990-1994)

Retirement