Obituary: Jack Luxton

Jack Luxton

* Jack Luxton, QSO, National MP, dairy farmer. Died aged 82.

John Finlay (Jack) Luxton entered Parliament in 1966 as the National member for Piako and then, after boundary changes, Matamata, and represented the predominantly rural electorate for 21 years.

Mr Luxton was a dairy farmer in Waitoa, between Morrinsville and Te Aroha. He grew up in the area and knew it well, becoming prominent in the Waikato branch of Federated Farmers and serving as dominion councillor before his election to Parliament.

He also continued a family involvement with Tatua Dairy Company, as a director for several years.

Parliamentary duties included becoming Deputy Speaker and chairman of committees in 1976, positions he held until his party's defeat in 1984.

He was particularly interested in Pacific Island affairs, and in 1976 led a Government-sponsored tour of eight Pacific nations to investigate local industries, with a view to increasing New Zealand's involvement there.

On his retirement from politics in 1987, Mr Luxton took an active part in his family's horticulture block in Katikati. His seat of Matamata was retained for National by his son John.

Jack Luxton was a companion of the Queen's Service Order.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, three sons and a daughter and their families.