My Account
13 December 1940 – 18 March 2022
Most locals will likely remember Bruce Scoggins as someone who liked to get things done.
He was so annoyed about rural rates, he ran for the Rodney Local Board not long after he and wife Suzanne retired to their secluded waterfront property at Scotts Landing 12 years ago.
He was also involved with the Warkworth Area Liaison Group and Mahurangi East Residents and Ratepayers Association, and lamented the lack of a broader local group to action local issues.
Bruce and Suzanne were enthusiastic early shoppers on Saturday mornings at the Matakana Farmers Market, and loved the cosy viewing offered in the cinemas.
His ability to bring disparate groups together and scrutinise projects and funding hinted at a different side of Bruce.
When Dr Bruce Scoggins died in March there was an outpouring of sadness for one of the finest science, research and health professionals this country has produced. He was a Research Fellow at the prestigious Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, senior principal Research Fellow of the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Gordon Meiklejohn Professor of Medicine in Denver, Colorado. Then for 15 years he was chief executive of the Health Research Council of New Zealand. He was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and served on committees connected to the World Health Organisation and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).
Much of his work at the Health Research Council in New Zealand involved increasing the amount of research focused on improving health outcomes for children from deprived backgrounds, including Maori and Pacific Island children.
In retirement, he volunteered his skills, at least one day each week for 15 years, to Cure Kids, to support research improving the lives of children with serious health conditions.
He was always a kind man, says Suzanne, and a great mentor to his own children, both of whom have successful careers in London.
Originally from the UK, Bruce came to New Zealand with his brother Keith when their parents Alan and Augusta Scoggins emigrated in 1950 – a huge adventure for a 10 year old boy.
His father was contracted to a Christchurch optician’s business for five years before starting his own business and moving to Rangiora.
One of Bruce’s most enduring memories of that time was his parents love of playing bridge. Both were formidable players, but their competitive arguing put Bruce and Keith completely off the game.
Bruce initially went to Lincoln University with the aim of becoming a vet. But after heading off to university in Melbourne to do his PhD, he became drawn more into human health and was offered a research position with the Howard Florey Institute, where he stayed for 20 years.
During this time Bruce met Suzanne at a party. While perhaps an unlikely pair, as Suzanne didn’t know anything about academia or the scientific world, and she had hated biology at school, they were married three months later, a union that lasted for 48 years.
“I thought he was a good catch.”
Bruce was always very dedicated to his work and was the classic absent-minded professor. He was also a great reader and would always read the Economist from cover to cover, never missing an issue.
He was also a great friend of this newspaper, contributing occasional columns and frequently writing letters to the editor. His involvement in the Warkworth community will be greatly missed.
Bruce is survived by wife Suzanne, children Warwick and Amanda, and six grandchildren.
