Royal Society elects new Companions

News release from the Royal Society of New Zealand

9 April 2010

Royal Society of New Zealand elects Sue Suckling and Rick Christie as Companions

The Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand has elected two former Crown Research Institute chairpersons as Companions.

Christchurch-based businesswoman Sue Suckling and company director Rick Christie from Wellington both had the honour bestowed on them at a function in Wellington on Thursday night.

Sue Suckling is a former chairperson of NIWA and Rick Christie was chairman of AgResearch.

The title of Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand recognises outstanding leadership in science, and contributions to the promotion and advancement of science and technology in New Zealand.

The President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr Garth Carnaby, said the election of Sue Suckling and Rick Christie as Companions was formal acknowledgement of the significant impact they have had on science and technology in New Zealand.

Sue Suckling is a director and consultant with nearly 25 years experience in company governance, including chairing the NIWA Board for eight years until 2009.

“Sue has an exceptional profile and reputation throughout New Zealand’s business community. Nearly all the companies and organisations Sue has worked with have been underpinned by science and technology innovation. We are very pleased to recognise her many contributions,” said Dr Carnaby.

Currently Sue Suckling holds many directorships including being chair of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Barker Fruit Processors, NZ Food Safety Authority Risk and Assurance Committee, Ministry for the Environment Audit and Risk Committee and the Enterprise South Island Board. She has also previously served as chairperson of the Science and Technology Promotion Advisory Committee to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, director and deputy chair of the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, and chair of AgriQuality NZ Ltd. In 1996 she was awarded an OBE for her contribution to New Zealand business

Rick Christie is a professional director and company chairman, and has had many science and technology related appointments in both the public and private sector. He was chairman of AgResearch Ltd for six years and Director and Deputy Chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology for six years.

“Rick has done far more for science than has been demanded of him in many senior roles. He has repeatedly made generous contributions to high level New Zealand government science, technology and industry advisory boards, very often as chairman. Throughout his career he has done a great deal to promote and improve this country’s science and technology,” said Dr Carnaby.

Currently Rick Christie is chairman of Ebos Group Ltd and Argenta Ltd. He is a director of Tourism Holdings Ltd, Wakefield Health Ltd and the NZ Pork Industry Board. He has also been chairman of AgResearch Ltd, CEO of Tradenz, managing director of Cable Price Downer, chairman of the Growth and Innovation Advisory Board, deputy chairman of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, chairman of the Victoria University Foundation board of trustees, a member of two Science and Technology Expert Panels, and a member of the Prime Minister’s Enterprise Council.

The Award of the Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand was introduced in 1999 and there are now 32 Companions.

ENDS

© Scoop Media