15 Dec MORDI Trustee recognized for his outstanding work
April 14th, 2021 – Mr. Anthony Ryan has been a key figure behind the concept and creation of MORDI in the Pacific back in 2004 working together with FAO, FSPI (Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific International) and many NGO’s – advancing rural development spaces in the region. His role also expanded to the planning and establishment of MORDI Tonga and consequently developed a closer working partnership with MORDI Tonga and its workers.
Despite having left Tonga and recently retiring; he still remains a stalwart supporter of rural development in Tonga. Mr. Ryan has worked extensively internationally, in the Pacific Region as well as in Tonga for over 30 years. Those closest to him refer to him as Tony and know that he is down-to-earth and rarely steps into the limelight. It is his passion for his work, humility and advanced thinking that has attributed to the career development of those he has worked with.
Today at the Lincoln University graduation Mr. Ryan has been awarded the Alumni International award in recognition of his works. This momentous occasion is punctuated further as it is the first of the graduations to return to Christchurch since the earthquakes that rocked and shattered the region. COVID-19 also pushed the graduations back further; and as the Christchurch Town Hall will open its doors and the graduands parade through the city streets after 11 years – it will truly be remembered as a celebration of perseverance, dedication, rejuvenation and resilience.
Mr. Ryan’s engagement in Tonga began in 1994 as an Agricultural Economist working on an ADB project in preparation for the Outer Island Agricultural Development Project and later in 1998. The following year in 1995 and 1997 he returned as a Natural Resource Economist Team Leader to assess the economic value of the ‘Eua Forestry Project and closely worked with MAFFF in advising steps towards the privatization of the forest funded through NZODA.
In 2008 Mr. Ryan worked as a Rural Development Specialist reviewing MORDI Tonga and Fiji initiatives and in 2009 engaged with MORDI Tonga to plan its progression under the auspices of IFAD. In 2015 Mr. Ryan again lent his invaluable experience and knowledge to MORDI Tonga and the Tongan Government towards the preparation of multi-sector development plans for ‘Eua and the Niua’s.
In between his time working in Tonga Mr. Ryan has worked with a majority of the Pacific Island nations, Asia and Kyrgyzstan. He has been an active member of many Boards in nations he has worked with including MORDI Tonga, Kyrgyzstan and Canterbury.
Upon receiving the great news of being a Lincoln Alumni International Medal recipient – Mr. Ryan without hesitation reached out to MORDI Tonga to share his great news.
“Today I was rung by the Chancellor of Lincoln University to inform me that I have been awarded the LU Alumni International Medal for 2021. This is a big deal and I am very proud to receive it” he says.
MORDI Tonga extends their deep appreciation to Mr. Ryan and his unwavering support and investment in Tonga’s rural development over the years. We are extremely and profoundly fortunate to have such a fine caliber of a leader continually supporting and advising MORDI Tonga.
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