Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons yesterday praised the contribution the late Sir Peter Elworthy made to the anti-genetic engineering movement.
"As a practical farmer and as a businessman he could reach out to those sectors, where his opinions were particularly respected," Ms Fitzsimons said.
"In retirement he was prepared to take on
a high-profile position at the Sustainability Council, knowing how controversial it would be.
"That wouldn't have worried Sir Peter; he always worked in the best interest of the land."
Sir Peter died suddenly in a hotel at Wanaka on Sunday. He was 68.
The family are still waiting for the result of an autopsy, but it appears he suffered a large heart attack.
A doctor staying at the hotel was by his side within minutes but was unable to revive him.
Sir Peter had an illustrious farming, business and public service career and gained a knighthood for services to agriculture.
Tributes flowed in yesterday from political, business and farming leaders. Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton and National Party leader Don Brash both said they were stunned by the untimely death.
Sir Peter's death came as a particular blow to his brother Jonathan, who is battling cancer.
Mr Elworthy confirmed yesterday that he was recovering from surgery performed six weeks ago for bowel cancer.
A former MP and Lands and Forests Minister, he said he was playing tennis at a "gentle, elderly pace" and had joined the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
He said his brother had been in the "perilous position" of being sandwiched between two sets of twins, Kate Archibald and Jane Allison, 70, and David Elworthy and himself, 67.
As a result, he was a born administrator, who from the age of three regularly acted as the intermediary for his two sets of siblings.
Sir Peter's funeral will be held at St Mary's Church in Timaru on Friday.
- NZPA
