The Prime Minister has paid tribute to highly-regarded
conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and arts
patron Lady Diana Isaac, who died at home Canterbury home
last night.
Lady Diana is best known for co-founding and running Isaac
Construction with her now deceased husband Sir Neil Isaac.
She was also well regarded for the work for the work she had
done to help others, particularly as a champion for the arts
and conservation up until her death, said Mr Key, who said
his thoughts were with her friends and family.
Lady Diana's contribution to Canterbury and New Zealand was
truly remarkable.
It is difficult to imagine anyone who was more generous or
worked harder for the people of Canterbury," he said.
Lady Diana was born in Devonshire in England and met her New
Zealand husband Neil when they both served in the British
Army at the end of World War II.
They married in India and settled in New Zealand in 1950
where Sir Neil and Lady Diana founded their construction
business.
The plantings they made on their quarrying operations
eventually became the 1100 hectare Peacock Springs
Conservation Park.
Lady Isaac was also a huge patron of the arts and her legacy
would endure through the Isaac Theatre Royal, the Isaac
Centre for Nature Conservation, and the creation of
scholarships at Lincoln and Canterbury Universities.
She was awarded a Queen's Service Medal and the New Zealand
Order of Merit.
"Lady Diana will be missed immensely but her decades of
philanthropy will be enjoyed for generations to come," says
Mr Key.
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