Geoffrey Sylvester Peren

Sir Geoffrey Sylvester Peren (1892–1980) was a New Zealand soldier, agricultural scientist, university professor and agricultural college principal.

Biography
Peren was born in Streatham, Surrey, England in 1892. He was chair of Agriculture at Victoria University College (now Victoria University of Wellington) but left to be foundation principal of Massey Agricultural College (now Massey University) in 1927. During World War II he commanded the 2nd Brigade for part of 1941 and 1942, and the 4th Division for parts of 1942 and 1943 and eventually reached the rank of brigadier. Following the war he played a major role in the development of the Perendale breed of sheep and also continued to serve in various Army and defence roles.

In 1935, Peren was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal. In the 1953 New Year Honours, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to agriculture. Six years later in the 1959 New Year Honours he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to agriculture, especially as head of Massey Agricultural College.