[2] Cherry could trace his ancestry back to the Cressy, one of the First Four Ships that started the settlement of Canterbury.

[2] Cherry was educated at Christchurch Technical College, and went on to study physics at the University of Canterbury, graduating BSc(Hons) in 1969 and PhD in 1971.

[1] Cherry specialised most recently in the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health, following his earlier work in meteorology and wind energy.

[4] Ahead of the 1990 election he put himself forward to replace former Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer as the Labour candidate for Christchurch Central.

[1] In the 2002 New Year Honours, Cherry was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to science, education and the community.