Sir Donald Ward Beaven KNZM CBE (31 August 1924 – 4 November 2009) was a New Zealand medical researcher in the area of diabetes treatment and prevention.

[2] He commenced full-time teaching and research at the Christchurch School of Medicine in 1960,[3] and was appointed Foundation Professor in 1971.

[7] In March 2009, Beaven was commemorated as one of the Twelve Local Heroes, and a bronze bust of him was unveiled outside the Christchurch Arts Centre.

[9] An advocate of the Mediterranean diet, Beaven helped establish the South Island wine industry, planting vineyards and olive groves around Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

[10][11][12] A memorial service for Beaven held in the Christchurch Town Hall on 19 December 2009 was attended by nearly 1000 people.