Tributes for leader

Allen served on the board of Federated Farmers for more than eight years and took on the challenging portfolio of water and biodiversity.

Feds national president Wayne Langford says there were a few tears in the organisation's national office when the news came through.

"I have been flooded with messages from right across the country from people who Chris has worked with or had been a part of their lives," he says.

Langford says Allen will be remembered for his collaborative nature, his ability to get on with people from all walks of life and to come up with workable solutions - not only for farmers but also the environment as well.

"He had a quote which I will always remember and one that really defines him. It was 'Things need to be sensible, practical and affordable'. This is a quote that can be applied across a lot of issues," he says.

Allen and his wife Ann-Maree farmed an irrigated sheep and beef property near Mt Somers. Neighbour and Feds mid-Canterbury president, David Acland says people are just gutted and shaken at his sudden death.

"He had incredible mana and was widely respected by politicians of all political parties. He was a person who could work across groups and parties and find a way forward," he says.