New Board Chair brings extensive expertise in science-led commercialisation

Outgoing Board Chair Hēmi Rolleston (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) expressed his tautoko for Professor Gaston’s comments, noting that Dr Stuthridge had also held chair and director positions on a range of New Zealand and international commercial and government boards.

‘Trevor's strong record of bridging the gap between public-sector research and commercial application is an excellent fit for the Institute, which itself is an exemplar of how to turn public research funding into commercial outcomes and impact,’ he said.

Mr Rolleston added that the Institute was going from strength to strength and that it been a privilege to be part of the Institute whānau.

‘I have one goal when I join a board and that is to leave it in a better position than when I joined it and I am confident this is the case with the Institute. The MacDiarmid Institute is in exceptionally strong form - its researchers have spun out 39 start-up companies since 2002, are internationally connected at the highest levels and are already at work on the exciting new research programme for 2026-2028. Trevor’s appointment brings valuable additional capability and support,’ he said.

‘And I am personally very heartened to see how matauranga Māori is now weaved in as an integral part of the Institute,’ he added. 

Professor Gaston said that Dr Stuthridge knew the work of the Institute well and had written the foreword for the 2026 Cleantech Report.

‘In his preface to the report, Trevor wrote that “with the right alignment between innovators, investors, and government, New Zealand has a clear opportunity to translate (the Cleantech sector’s) momentum into globally significant companies and export-led growth”,’ she said.

‘Trevor is ideally positioned to support our researchers as they continue to spin-out deep tech and Cleantech companies. We’re delighted to welcome him as part of the whānau in person at our August Board meeting this week,’ she added.

Nicola also acknowledged the leadership of outgoing Board Chair Hēmi Rolleston who is stepping down from the Board following his election as a councillor for the Tauranga City Council, representing the Te Awanui Māori Ward. She thanked him for his contribution to the Institute over his many years on the Board, firstly as a Board member and then as Board Chair since early 2022.

‘Hēmi’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Institute and positioning us for the future. In 2019 and 2020 he was integral to the Institute’s successful rebid and has then been an outstanding Board Chair, providing thoughtful leadership and bringing a wealth of experience. We thank him sincerely for his dedication, insight and mahi,' she said.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Sally McArthur, also extended her thanks to Hēmi Rolleston for his leadership as Board Chair.

‘Over the past four and a half years, Hēmi has brought extensive leadership across the science, commercial, and innovation sectors, alongside trusted and meaningful relationships with Māori communities and networks. We are deeply grateful to him for his contribution and mahi over the years, and wish him well in his new role,’ she said.