Federated Farmers has added its tribute to one of New Zealand's outstanding scientists, Sir Paul Callaghan, who died on Saturday weekend after a long battle with cancer.
Sir Paul was best known for his contribution to science and was a leader in the field on molecular physics and skilled communicator.
Federated Farmers vice-president William Rolleston says Sir Paul was a towering figure who passionately believed innovation was the key to New Zealand's prosperity.
He says Sir Paul contributed to science through his outstanding and world recognised scientific abilities.
But Dr Rolleston says he was also a great communicator of science and to the farming industry that could have been his biggest contribution, as it is important for people to understand the value of science in New Zealand's future.
He says at last year's national Federated Farmers conference, Sir Paul called for the New Zealand brand to be shifted from 100% Pure to 100% Smart.
Dr Rolleston says he was not downgrading 100% Pure - Sir Paul's message was that New Zealand needs to be smart about what it does and do things based on science, rather than just guesswork.
