Graham Malaghan ONZM (1958-1962)

“My father, Len Malaghan, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1962. His treatment exposed him to the benefits of new drugs as well as the dedication and commitment of the cancer specialists.”  The experiences of his father influenced Graham and his family to become involved with supporting medical research. 

“In 1966 the Wellington division of the Cancer Society and the Wellington Medical Research Foundation established a fund for medical research. Len and my mother Ann made a donation of General Foods Corporation (N.Z.) Limited shares to the Institute the following year. On Christmas Day 1967, my father died.  

By the mid-1980s, the shares had grown significantly in value. In 1984 and 1985, Ann made further gifts for research equipment that enabled the Institute to progress. My mother and our family were approached in 1986 to endorse changing the name of the Wellington Institute of Cancer and Medical Research to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. We were honoured and delighted to agree.  

It has been a pleasure to see the Institute flourish since its beginnings… It is now the country’s leading independent medical research organisation, focussed on finding cures for cancer, asthma, allergy and infectious diseases.” Graham wrote in the Malaghan Institute’s Scope Magazine, August 2016. 

Reflecting on his time at Lindisfarne College Graham says, “During my time the facilities were limited and the school roll was about 120.  We were a very close-knit community and as Head Boy, I enjoyed the company of many seniors and the need to provide leadership in a fair and caring manner.  One of my funniest memories was seeing a sleep fellow student transported whilst in his bed to the centre of the girls’ high school playing fields at about 8am – his awakening was a sight to remember!”  

“Following school, I attended Victoria University of Wellington, failed to obtain a BCom, and worked for Deloitte as a clerk. I commenced employment at General Foods Corp in 1967 and was appointed General Manager of Refrigerated Freight Lines (a subsidiary of GFC) in 1970, acquiring the company in 1987. I was founding Chairman of Tasman Express Line and shareholder and Chairman of Polarcold Coldstores that eventually took over our interests in Whakatu Cold Stores. 

Upon selling the above interests during the 1990s, I’ve entered several other businesses including farming, health foods and supplements, mineral processing, cheque acceptance and stevedoring. 

I have always been engaged in managing people to gain the best value for all those involved and in 1989 I took on the role of Chairman of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.  I remain in that role today, joined by fellow Lindisfarne College Old Boy Dr David Mossman (1957-1960).” 

In 2009 Victoria University conferred an honorary Doctor of Science on Graham in recognition of his high standard of governance, extraordinary vision, and strong commitment to the Institute. He championed the growth of the Institute's capital endowment fund, with the aim that the centre will be on a solid financial footing for the future.  

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