Leadership
Earth Sciences New Zealand Board
Chair
David Smol
David Smol was the chair of GNS Science until the merger on 1 July 2025, and is a director of Contact Energy, NZTA, the Cooperative Bank, and Tait International. He chairs the Risk and Audit Committee of the Ministry of Social Development, and the External Advisory Committee of the Department of Internal Affairs, and is a member of the Risk and Audit Committee of Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. David was Chief Executive of the Ministry of Economic Development between 2008 and 2012 and led the formation of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as the inaugural Chief Executive from 2012 to 2017.
David has worked across the public and private sectors through his executive and governance roles. He has experience in leadership roles, stakeholder management and organisational change and an applied understanding of commercial outcomes from science.
Deputy Chair
Mary-Anne Macleod
Mary-Anne Macleod was a director of NIWA and AgResearch until the mergers on 1 July 2025, and is a director of DairyNZ Limited, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and on the University of Waikato Council.
She was previously the CEO of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and also held senior leadership roles with the Ministry for the Environment and in international consultancies. Mary has a governance background in local and central government and the private sector. She has a master’s degree in Earth Science and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Her knowledge and connections across the science and research sector are particularly valuable.
Director
Paul Connell
Paul Connell was a director of Plant & Food Research until the merger on 1 July 2025, and is a director of WorkSafe, Environmental Protection Authority, Telarc Limited, WEL Networks Ltd, New Power energy group companies and ETEL Limited. He is an independent member of the Risk and Assurance Committee for Waikato Regional Council and the independent chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Auckland Council. He is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
Paul has worked through a number of complex public governance issues through his career, including managing chief executives. He possesses strong connections to the information technology systems and regulatory sectors. He brings extensive governance and strategic financial skills, a strong understanding of public accountability and an in-depth knowledge of audit and risk practices.
Director
Paul White
Paul White is a professional director and consultant. He has significant governance experience in both the public and private sector. He is currently a trustee on Top Energy Consumer Trust, the Chair of Ngāi Tūpoto ki Motukaraka Trust, and a director of GNS Science, and Te Matapihi. He was previously a board member of the Housing NZ Board, Health Sponsorship Council, the Canterbury DHB and Top Energy Limited.
Paul has wide experience working with hapū and iwi including commercial entities involved with forestry, dairy and beef farming.
Director
Peter Landon-Lane
Peter Landon-Lane is the Chair of AsureQuality and was a director of NIWA until the merger on 1 July 2025. He has governance experience in the agri-food, science and trade sectors, and his management career included senior roles at T&G Global, CEO of Plant & Food Research and Managing Director of Fonterra Europe. Prior to that, he was President of Fonterra Japan and had roles in China, the Philippines and Taiwan. Peter has degrees in science and economics and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Peter has a well-rounded knowledge of the science sector, commercial acumen, governance capability and leadership experience. He has a strong understanding of change management and extensive business acumen. He brings extensive governance experience and the ability to bridge science with market needs, understanding of market trends and industry needs and business development.
Director
Professor Chris Bumby
Professor Bumby is Chief Scientist (Materials) at the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, and a Principal Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. He has previously held roles on the Climate Change Commission’s Technical Reference Group on Industry, Heat and Power, the Marsden Assessment Panel for Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the New Zealand Hydrogen Council’s Research Working Group. He holds a DPhil in Physics from the University of Oxford, and was awarded the 2024 Shorland Medal by the New Zealand Association of Scientists.
Chris brings a strong science sector perspective and international networks, informed by his collaborations with multiple world-leading institutions. In recent years has driven a rejuvenation of New Zealand’s research and development capability in minerals process engineering. Chris also has extensive experience in commercialising public-sector research via both IP-driven startup companies, and commercial research contracts for clients ranging from emerging NZ start-ups to multinational corporates.
Transition Chief Executive
John Morgan
John was the Chief Executive at NIWA for 17 years until the creation of Earth Sciences New Zealand on 1 July 2025. He has extensive senior executive and governance experience in public and private sector organisations covering a range of markets and activities including business, science, education and sport. His science sector roles have included Chief Executive of AgriQuality Ltd, Executive Director of Orica New Zealand Ltd and Chairman of New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd. He is currently Deputy Chairman of Science New Zealand. John is passionate about the role science can play in transforming New Zealand's economy, environment, society and global reputation.
Integration Executive
Chelydra Percy
Chelydra, formerly Chief Executive at GNS Science, brings extensive leadership experience across New Zealand’s science and innovation sectors. Prior to joining GNS Science, she served for nine years as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ). Her previous executive roles include Chief Executive and General Manager positions at Callaghan Innovation, Scion and the Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation. Chelydra is working closely with John to implement the merger transition plan, ensuring a smooth transition and continued progress in earth sciences research.