Sir Russell Matthews (19 July 1896 – 25 November 1987) was a New Zealand civil engineer, roading contractor, businessman, horticulturist and philanthropist. He was born in New Plymouth on 19 July 1896.
Career Matthews was mostly involved in roading construction.
Personal life Matthews was passionate for horticulture and was a fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. He was a member of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association and founded the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust.
Tūpare Matthews bought a property in New Plymouth in 1932 to build a homestead and establish a garden. Matthews named the property Tūpare.
Honours Matthews was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1971 New Year Honours, for services to the community,London Gazette (supplement), No. 45264, 31 December 1970. Retrieved 12 May 2013. and a Knight Bachelor in the 1982 New Year Honours, for services to horticulture and the community.
In 2018, Matthews was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
References