Sir Clifford George Skeggs - OSTJ QSM

1 Nov

Southland-born Cliff Skeggs started a fishing business in 1953, creating the largest private inshore fleet in New Zealand.

He was a pioneer private investor in deepwater fishing and extended his interests into the transport industry, serving as chairman of Pacifica Shipping, which operated its own airline, Pacifica Air.

But to many Skeggs was better known for his involvement in local politics. He was a member of the Otago Harbour Board from 1965-77 (chairman from 1973-77), a Dunedin city councillor from 1971-77 and mayor from 1977-89.

He assisted the community in a number of ways, not least his backing of the Skeggs Foundation to promote sporting endeavour.