James Malcolm Macpherson, ONZM  

18/09/1946 - 24/08/2023

The term Renaissance man is often overused, but the late James Malcolm Macpherson ONZM meets the definition, as someone who was educated, knowledgeable and skilled in a wide range of fields.

Known to all as Malcolm, as the name James was given to many males in his family, the Central Otago District mayor from 2001 until 2010 is remembered by his family as a quiet achiever who had many different eras in his life.

“He literally wore a lot of hats because he loved hats, but he also had a lot of talents,” daughter Amy said.

Malcolm receives an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit from Dame Patsy Reddy, for services to local government and the community.

Malcolm was born in Canterbury and his father, James “Arch” Macpherson, was a post-war teacher, meaning the family moved frequently. Malcolm studied geology, earning a BSc from the University of Canterbury, a postgraduate degree diploma from Otago, and then returned to Canterbury to earn his PhD.

“He was a lifelong learner,” Amy said.

“He had a very egalitarian streak.

“He was interested in learning, but he was also interested in helping others to learn.”

In recent years, Malcolm worked as an academic mentor and facilitator for bachelor's and master's degrees at Otago Polytechnic.

Malcolm had completed most of a Master of Public Policy degree and was also working toward a Master of Professional Practice.

“It was inspirational to me that you can pivot and you can learn new things,” Amy said.

Malcolm in his woodworking studio.

A self-taught woodworker, whose work was sold at Central Stories Art Gallery and Museum, of which he was a former chairman, Malcolm was also an artist, a scientist, a pioneering desk-top publisher, a business excellence consultant, community organiser and civic leader, his family said.

His wife, Susan, said she was introduced to Malcolm by a mutual friend. In those days he was an academic and had worked as an exploration geologist across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We met in Christchurch,” said Susan, who was born in Brecon, Wales.

“I came in 1974 as a 10-pound POM (an assisted migration scheme) and we met in 1975.

“I realised straight away what a lovely fellow he was. We decided the first time that we went out together that we would get married.”

She was 27 and Malcolm 29 at that time, and it is family history they were often teased about that they only courted for about three weeks.

Malcolm in 1976, the week he and Susan married.

Eldest Amy was born in Christchurch, but her formative years were spent in Brecon, where the young family moved to be close to Susan’s family. It was there that James and Marisa were born.

“He fitted in beautifully,” Susan said, “because he was subtle and clever and quiet.

“He was always a quiet achiever. He wanted to be the best he could at everything he did.”

In the six years they spent in Brecon, Malcolm made pews and cabinetry for many people in the town, Susan said.

“One thing that really appealed to him is that he had work, not big work, in every church or chapel in Brecon, including the cathedral.”

Amy and Marisa recalled how, even when they were little, they loved asking their father about the adventures he had.

“He had some extraordinary adventures,” Amy said.

“He was one of the founders of the Brecon Jazz Festival.”

The festival has become a world-renowned event, and the family billeted many of the musicians who took part in its early years.

Community leadership would be a recurring theme in Malcolm’s life.

In 1988, the family moved to his ancestral home of Alexandra, and over the following decades he was involved with over 30 different organisations.

Community leadership was always important to Malcolm.

In the 2018 New Year Honours, Malcolm was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and the community.

“We are so proud of everything he achieved, such as his involvement in Alexandra’s flood recovery projects and the Warm Homes Clean Air programme,” Amy said.

“He worked so hard to make a difference and across his many, many projects, there was a common theme of looking to the future and caring for local people and the environment he loved.”

Susan describes herself as very fortunate to have married Malcolm, and the love in the family is apparent as the family shared stories, memories, laughter and a few tears about

him.

“He was incredibly kind.”