John Turner, Lumsden, ONZM
For services to the meat industry. Mr Turner was Chair of the Alliance Group from 1998 to 2007, and Director from 1987 to 2007. He guided the company in a weak financial position to become the world’s largest sheep meat processor and marketer, with a turnover of more than $1 billion. He has been a strong advocate for the co-operative principles of ownership, allowing farmers to become involved in the meat industry, encouraging them to become knowledgeable about the end-users of their products. He initiated a range of programmes during his term as Chair that encouraged farmers to be at the leading edge in the production and quality of their product. Mr Turner has also been a Southland District Councillor and is a long-serving, active member of the Lions Club and a Justice of the Peace.