It is with profound respect and gratitude that we reflect on the life and contributions of Brian Cameron, the inaugural chair of Cooperative Business NZ and a true cooperative icon. A trailblazer in both the cooperative and irrigation sectors, Brian’s enduring legacy is etched into the fabric of New Zealand’s economy and communities.
Brian’s life was emblematic of persistence, vision, and integrity. As a farmer on the Ashburton plains, he combined analytical acumen with a forward-thinking mindset to pioneer deep well irrigation, pressurised underground mainlines, and overhead sprinklers. These innovations not only transformed his own operations but inspired countless others, setting a standard for irrigated agriculture nationwide.
Brian’s efforts extended far beyond his own farm. In the early 1990s, he spearheaded the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation project, a groundbreaking initiative that demonstrated the viability of private, community-scale irrigation schemes in the face of widespread skepticism. Collaborating with peers, Brian approached challenges with a mix of professionalism, strategic planning, and quiet determination. His ability to outmaneuver opposition, often by pairing science-backed arguments with a dignified demeanor, was legendary.
As a leader in New Zealand’s cooperative sector, Brian’s contributions were transformative. He was elected the first chair of Cooperative Business NZ in the early 1980s, a role he held for over a decade. Under his leadership, the organization expanded from its agricultural roots to encompass cooperatives across diverse industries, establishing a robust foundation for the sector.
One of Brian’s most significant achievements was his role in the development of the Cooperative Companies Act. When the government sought to subsume cooperatives under general company law during reforms in the early 1990s, Brian’s strategic guidance was instrumental in securing a dedicated legislative framework. Working alongside legal counsel David Stock and Parliamentary Counsel George Tanner, amongst others, Brian ensured the Act was meticulously crafted and politically viable. This legislation remains the cornerstone for cooperatives, enabling them to contribute nearly 20% of New Zealand’s GDP today.
Brian’s commitment to building a prosperous cooperative economy was matched only by his humility and generosity. He viewed leadership as a means to serve others, often mentoring emerging leaders and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. His dignified approach to challenges, coupled with a relentless drive to create a better future, inspired all who worked with him.
Brian’s legacy will forever be cherished as a guiding light for cooperatives in New Zealand—a testament to the power of vision, integrity, and collective effort.
- Irrigation pioneer publishes history [from IrrigationNZ News, Dec 2009]
- Early farm life 1967. Norma and Brian Cameron and eldest daughter Helen
- Cooperative pioneers [L to R]: Brian Cameron, Frank Ryan, Paul Giles
- Brian’s farm during the dry years (1968) – before drilling the deep bore
- Shifting hand-shift lines (1970). Daughters Helen and Lynette
- Receiving the Cooperative Business NZ Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017
- Accolade from Monash University – Australasian Agribusiness Hall of Fame