Howard James Paterson

1 Nov

When Dunedin businessman Howard Paterson died suddenly in Fiji in 2003, he left a large gap in the Otago business community.

His vision, energy and determination created a number of successful businesses and underpinned major research and development.

He was the driving-force behind a biotechnology industry based on research at the University of Otago. He also had extensive property and tourism interests and had embarked on plans for a major viticultural development in the Waitaki Valley shortly before his death.

Although Paterson tried to avoid publicity, he received several accolades during his lifetime, including the National Business Review New Zealander of the Year award for 2001.