Malcolm Saba Farry
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Services to the community
Malcolm Farry says his wife, Lyn, is foremost among those
who have shared the work in his many projects. Photo by Joe
Dodgshun.
Malcolm Farry's work as "the driving force" behind the
Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin has helped him achieve a New
Year honour that he described as "humbling".
But his role as chairman of the Carisbrook Stadium Trust,
despite its high profile, was only one aspect of his work.
Mr Farry has been recognised for his efforts as chairman of
the fundraising committee for the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a
role he undertook between 2005 and 2008, helping develop a
business plan to raise money to build facilities such as the
$2.2 million, 8.7km pest-proof fence around the 307ha
habitat.
He was also honoured for his decade as chairman of the Otago
Youth Wellness Trust, from 1996 to 2006. The trust is a free,
community-based service that supports 11- to 18-year-olds
with social workers, mentoring, educational support and
health services liaison and information.
The "wrap-around" service was one of the first to achieve a
"high-trust" contract with the Government, heralding a new
way of working with the community sector.
The honour also recognised his time as a city councillor in
Dunedin, from 1998 to 2004, when he fostered relationships
between the city and the University of Otago, and as director
of Mercy Hospital, where he helped make the hospital a centre
of excellence.
Asked his response to the honour, Mr Farry said he could not
answer "any other way than the cliched way".
"It's just the way it is. You feel humble."
He said that was because the honour singled one person out,
when the achievements were the work of many.
For Mr Farry, his wife, Lyn, was high on the list, as were "a
very supportive family and extended family".
The boards of the stadium, Orokonui and youth wellness trusts
were people without whom those projects could not have been
completed.
The stadium would not have been possible without help from
the Dunedin City Council, the Otago Regional Council, the
Community Trust of Otago, the Government, the university and
Forsyth Barr, he said.
"And last, but not least, the ratepayers of Dunedin" had,
sometimes reluctantly, made the stadium happen, he said.
Mr Farry said he believed most people who had been to the
stadium were "pretty excited" by the facility, whether they
agreed with it or not.
