Peter Taylor

My family background has five generations of fruit growing and sheep farming in Central Otago. I was educated at Wataki Boys High School in Oamaru and returned to the family orchard in 1955. I spent 38 years fruit growing in Central Otago and was appointed director of the NZ Fruitgrowers Federation in 1974. I became President of the Federation in 1982 and held the position for seven years. I have served as a director of a number of companies including the public company Fruitfed Supplies Ltd. I became an Associate of Honours of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture in 1989 and was awarded an O.B.E for services to horticulture in 1990. Pauline and I moved to the Bay of Plenty in 1993 to seek a warmer climate and now enjoy the warmth of the people as well. After some persuasion from Graham Pim I joined real estate which has allowed me to keep in contact with the rural community and to help people achieve their dreams. I am a keen golfer and enjoy the atmosphere of the Te Puke Golf Club.