Frank Newhook

Professor Francis John (Frank) Newhook was the head of the School of Plant Pathology at the University of Auckland, the first plant pathologist at the University, from 1966 (sponsored by N. Z. Forest Products) as an Associate Professor, and from 1969 a personal chair. Previously he was a scientist at the DSIR.

He was born in Auckland on 16 November 1918. He was educated at Auckland Grammar School and the University of Auckland. He married (1) Agnes Marjorie Anderson (3 children) and (2) pianist Janetta McStay. In WWII he was a Major in the 2nd NZEF in the Middle East and Italy. He is now deceased.

He published extensively on fungal pathogens, especially Phytophthora. He wrote over 90 scientific papers and other publications, and was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by the University of London c1982. In 1984 he was awarded an O.B.E.

In 2004, Landcare Research named one of its Auckland laboratories the FJ Newhook Microbiology Laboratory in his honour.