John Kneebone | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Kneebone in 2018 | |
| President of Federated Farmers | |
| In office 1974–1977 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Thomas Kneebone 4 September 1935 Matamata, New Zealand |
| Died | 28 June 2020 (aged 84) Cambridge, New Zealand |
| Spouse |
Kay Alexander (m. 1965) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Matamata College |
| Occupation | Dairy farmer |
John Thomas Kneebone CMG (4 September 1935 – 28 June 2020) was a New Zealand local politician and farming leader. He was a member of the Matamata County Council from 1959 to 1967, and was president of Federated Farmers between 1974 and 1977.
Born in Matamata on 4 September 1935, Kneebone was educated at Hinuera School and Matamata College.[1] On 11 December 1965, he married Kay Alexander, and the couple went on to have three children.[1]
Kneebone was a farmer and company director, and was active in local politics and as a farming leader. He was an elected member of the Matamata County Council between 1959 and 1967.[1] He was elected as president of Federated Farmers in 1974,[2] and served in that position until 1977.[1] He was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 1989.[3]
Kneebone was the inspiration behind the National Agricultural Fieldays, established in 1969, after visiting the United Kingdom on a Nuffield Scholarship in 1966.[1][4] He also served as a member of the Land Settlement Board and the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council.[1]
In the 1988 New Year Honours, Kneebone was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, for public services and services to agriculture.[5]