Lincoln University records with regret the death on Friday 25 March of Dr William Michael (Bill) Kain, aged 71. Dr Kain died in Methven where he had been attending the International Farm Management Association Congress.
A highly respected Lincoln University alumnus and former staff member, Dr Kain was pre-eminently a leading figure in the management of agricultural science in New Zealand. In 1992 he was appointed foundation CEO of AgResearch, the country’s largest Crown Research Institute, following a series of senior positions with MAF. He held the CEO’s post until 1997 and the following year was awarded Lincoln University’s Bledisloe Medal for his outstanding contributions advancing New Zealand’s land-based interests.
Originally from Dunedin, Bill Kain came to Lincoln University in 1959 from Christchurch’s St Andrew’s College to study agricultural science. He was a member of what can only be described as a “champagne class” - the BAgrSc entrants of 1959 went on to be one of the University’s most outstanding single groups of achievers in terms of top positions held, medals and awards won, and contributions made to New Zealand’s industries and economy. Dr Kain was typical of that outstanding cluster of achievers.
He started his career as an entomologist at MAF’s Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre and moved up through the ranks to become successively Regional Scientist, Palmerston North; Head Entomologist, Southern North Island; Director, Levin Horticultural Research Centre; MAF Regional Director, Southern North Island; National Board Director and Regional Manager, MAF Technology North Central; Co-ordinator, Horticulture and Food Crown Research Institute Establishment Unit; and then CEO of the New Zealand Pastoral Agricluture Research Institute. In 1997 he established the consultancy Kain Associates Ltd.
Dr Kain completed BAgrSc, MAgrSc (Hons) and PhD degrees at Lincoln University, was a member of the 1st XV, and after his AgResearch years he returned to the University as Director of the Postgraduate and Research School. In that position he had a very instrumental role in the establishment of the South Island Dairying Development Centre, among numerous other projects.
He was appointed a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science in 1991, was an honorary lecturer at a number of New Zealand universities and a PhD Examiner at Lincoln University.
Dr Kain is survived by his wife Lesley and three adult children.
Photo: (L-R) Bill Kain and Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Roger J. Field