Ian Howatson was a man with a vast range of technical knowledge and experience in agricultural engineering, and the district was lucky he chose to live and work here.

Harry, as he was known by his family and friends, passed away in mid-November and was farewelled in a funeral service at his Wainui home.

Mr Howatson held a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with a major in engineering. He was one of the few specialist independent agricultural engineers in New Zealand and was respected throughout the industry, with his more than 35 years experience.

In the early 1980s he came to Gisborne from Hawke’s Bay to work for the Ministry of Agriculture as an agricultural engineer. He was part of advisory services for the ministry here, providing engineering design and advice to farmers.

Mr Howatson became a New Zealand authority on farm water reticulation, irrigation and effluent disposal.

His peers said this district was lucky to have New Zealand’s best water engineer based here for 35 years.

“On our hill country farms the Ian Howatson-designed reticulation system is synonymous with quality — it’s the ‘Rolls Royce’,” said one.

In 1995 he was one of the original consultants who started AgFirst, a company that has grown to be a national entity with over 100 consultants throughout New Zealand.

Ian Howatson’s own company AgFirst Engineering grew to provide a wide range of design solutions to horticulture, dairy and sheep and beef, as well as local and central government.

“As a professional Ian was amazingly adaptable,” a colleague said.

He worked throughout New Zealand and overseas in a range of agricultural engineering fields, including water reticulation for stock and rural communities, land drainage, horticulture and pastoral irrigation systems, dairy effluent treatment, soil rejuvenation and wastewater treatment.

“Harry was a problem solver. What he didn’t know he found out and put into practice. He had a good understanding of farming systems and could work well with his clients.

“He loved his job and who he met through his job”

But it was not all work and no play for Ian Howatson. He loved his sport and the outdoors.

He played rugby for a few years and was a tough competitor.

“He rarely backed down when the going got tough,” a former clubmate said.

In later years he switched to multi-sport, highlighted by a top 20 finish in the South Island’s Coast to Coast endurance event.

He had a great passion for hunting, which resulted in his more recent interest in the Gisborne Gun Club, where he was regular competitor, and a great supporter.

Ian also loved fishing with family, all over New Zealand and the world.

He was chairman of the Lottin Point Mariners Club for many years.

Ian is survived by his wife Ellen, and their children Taylor, Maddie and Ella.