William Goodfellow
Hardware merchant, dairying industrialist, company director, philanthropist
About William Goodfellow
Lived 1880 – 1974 (aged 94). William Goodfellow was a New Zealand businessperson.
Sir William Goodfellow (26 May 1880 – 5 November 1974) was a New Zealand hardware merchant, dairying industrialist, company director and philanthropist. He was born in Alexandra, Waikato, New Zealand, on 26 May 1880.
In 1919, he founded the Waikato Dairy Co. which played a pivotal role in transforming New Zealand's dairy industry into a global powerhouse. His innovative approach to dairy production and export significantly boosted the New Zealand economy during the early 20th century.
In the 1953 Coronation Honours, Goodfellow was appointed a Knight Bachelor, for service to the dairy industry. In 1994, he was an inaugural inductee into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Goodfellow?
hardware merchant, dairying industrialist, company director, philanthropist (1880–1974)
When was William Goodfellow born?
William Goodfellow was born on 26 May 1880 in Pirongia.
When did William Goodfellow die?
William Goodfellow died on 5 November 1974 in Auckland.
What was William Goodfellow's occupation?
William Goodfellow was a businessperson.
What nationality was William Goodfellow?
William Goodfellow was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Goodfellow
· DBpedia: William Goodfellow (philanthropist)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Goodfellow. https://biography.guide/william-goodfellow-businessperson/
MLA: "William Goodfellow." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-goodfellow-businessperson/.
Chicago: "William Goodfellow." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-goodfellow-businessperson/.
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