NIWA Welcomes New Chairman

MEDIA STATEMENT

21 July 2009

NIWA Welcomes New Chairman

Auckland businessman Chris Mace is the new Chair of the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Chief Executive John Morgan says.

Mr Morgan says that NIWA was delighted to have someone of the calibre of Mr Mace as Chairman.

“His strong interest and experience in science and conservation, particularly in the marine environment, meant he would be a powerful asset for NIWA,” says Mr Morgan.

Chris Mace says he is excited about becoming NIWA’s chairman, because of the role education, scientific research and leadership plays in a successful society, and because of the enormous value and demands placed on NIWA’s science – particularly with the key issues of climate change and water resources.

“Scientific discovery, and the communication of that work, is of vital importance to New Zealand's future prosperity.”

Chris Mace has chaired the Crown Research Institute ESR, as well as the New Zealand Antarctic Institute (now Antarctica New Zealand), with responsibilities for prioritizing national scientific research projects in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. He is actively involved in the preservation of the Antarctic heritage sites of Scott and Shackleton as a trustee of the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

He was a founding trustee of the Sir Peter Blake Trust established to ensure Sir Peter’s legacy of leadership in action through the annual Blake Leadership Awards and programmes to develop young environmental leaders. He was also a founding member of the New Zealand Institute which introduces new and creative thinking into economic and social policy debate.

He has supported the redevelopment of facilities and collaborative projects in Marine Science at the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, and he is a trustee of the Auckland Grammar School Foundation Trust and a member of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

In 2004 Chris Mace was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Antarctica and the community.

He replaces Sue Suckling, who has been Chair of NIWA since 2001.

Mr Morgan says Sue Suckling is a hard act to follow. “She has been an excellent leadership figure for NIWA and our Board, bringing special qualities to the table, and we wish her well for her future endeavours.”

ends