We farewell Distinguished Trustee Dan Williams

Dan served on the Malaghan Institute’s Trust Board from 2005 and chaired the Board’s Audit and Risk and Investment Committees until his retirement in 2020. He was recognised as a Distinguished Trustee in 2021.

As partner at accounting firm Deloitte and its predecessors over half a century, Dan was a strong leader for our finance team and adviser to Trustees, ably shepherding the institute through many years of growth. 

Malaghan Institute Head of Finance David Lin says Dan’s thoughtful insights and careful stewardship of our resources helped the institute remain financially stable and continue important work in medical research.

“Dan’s commitment to our mission went far beyond his financial expertise, however. He was a tireless advocate for our cause and devoted countless hours to the institute. His passion for our work was infectious, and he inspired everyone around him to give their best.”

Malaghan Institute Chair Graham Malaghan says Dan’s relationship with the Malaghan family went back to the 1970s as accountant and financial advisor to the family and a director and trustee for various business activities.

“We spoke if not daily at times, but essentially at least weekly for the past 50 years or so, he was a great friend.”

Fellow Distinguished Trustee Gary Quirke says Dan was very passionate about the Malaghan Institute and went about his various role with lots of enthusiasm.

“He was particularly enthusiastic about his role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and true to his business experience and knowledge was always keen to fully understand the financial status of the institute. He will be sadly missed.”

Dan died on the 200th anniversary of his forebears’ arrival in Paihia as missionaries to New Zealand, who were instrumental in the production of New Zealand’s first Māori-language dictionary.