Latest news with #ChrisSwasbrook
Scoop
3 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Te Papa To Begin Building $155 Million Biodiversity Research Centre In Upper Hutt
Te Papa is set to proceed with the construction of a purpose-built Biodiversity Research Centre in Trentham, securing the future of some of New Zealand's most significant natural history collections. Directly funded by government, the facility is a $155 million investment in New Zealand's scientific future. Replacing an ageing and earthquake-prone storage building in Wellington, it ensures the survival of the world's largest collection of New Zealand and Southern Ocean fishes, alongside other globally significant specimens. Opening in 2028, the world-class facility will replace the museum's current storage site in Wellington, which is earthquake-prone and no longer fit for purpose. "The Te Papa Biodiversity Research Centre is critical for New Zealand's scientific future," says Te Papa Board Chair Chris Swasbrook. "These aren't just museum specimens – they're the foundation of New Zealand's biodiversity research and their preservation is pivotal for future generations," Mr Swasbrook says. Te Papa Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Courtney Johnston emphasised the national significance of the collections that will be housed at the new facility. "Our fish collection alone represents decades of scientific work and underpins crucial research in fisheries, biosecurity, and environmental science," says Ms Johnston. The new 6,600 square metre facility in Trentham, Upper Hutt, has been designed for seismic resilience and sustainability, targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating. It will support collections through to 2080 and includes state-of-the-art storage, research laboratories, and backup systems. Te Papa Kaihautū | Māori Co-Leader Arapata Hakiwai said the facility has been developed in partnership with mana whenua with mātauranga Māori principles at its heart. "These collections are more than scientific specimens – they embody our relationship with the natural world and our responsibility as kaitiaki," Dr Hakiwai says. The project has received independent validation from Crown Infrastructure Delivery, which confirmed it is well-managed, compliant, and offers value for money. In a demonstration of fiscal responsibility, Te Papa has achieved $10.9 million in savings through value-for-money procurement, which will be returned to the Government while still allowing the project to proceed. "Through careful management and diligent procurement, we've been able to deliver savings to the Government while securing this essential infrastructure for New Zealand's scientific future," says Te Papa Board Chair Chris Swasbrook. He paid tribute to the Te Papa team, who have brought the project through from concept to design and now into the construction phase. 'An enormous amount of groundwork has been put in by the Te Papa project team led by Lisa Tipping and Grant Manson,' Mr Swasbrook says. Mr Swasbrook also acknowledged Te Papa Board Member Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard, who has led the project's governance group. 'Juliet's guidance of the project and her connections in the scientific community have been invaluable,' Mr Swasbrook says. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the facility due for completion in early 2028. A twelve-month transition period will ensure the safe relocation of the specimens without compromising their scientific integrity. The Government is investing $112.5 million in the project over the next three years. The project is projected to cost $155.4 million overall. It previously received $42.9 million through Budget 2022. What will be in the Te Papa Biodiversity Research Centre? The new facility will house more than 866,000 specimens of fish, invertebrates and reptiles, which are stored in jars of alcohol, sometimes known as 'spirit collections' or 'wet collections.' The oldest specimen in the collection is a hoki, caught in Wellington Harbour | Te-Whanganui-a Tara in 1869. In addition to specialised collection storage, the new facility will include purpose-built laboratories and research spaces.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Chris Swasbrook Appointed As Chair Of Te Papa
Press Release – New Zealand Government Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Swasbrook has been appointed as Chair of the Te Papa Board says Chris Bishop, Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. 'Chris Swasbrook is a prominent New Zealand investor with more than 25 years' experience working in finance. He has an extensive resume in executive and governance roles in many large-scale New Zealand businesses and organisations,' Mr Bishop says. 'Born in Auckland, he has been a long-time supporter of local business and arts communities. Chris is Chair of the Auckland Future Fund and an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee – roles which have shown his commitment to thriving arts infrastructure in New Zealand. 'Chris will bring valuable commercial, financial and investment governance experience to Te Papa. His strategic insights and international perspective will undoubtedly prove valuable to our national museum. 'I would like to thank Jackie Lloyd who has stepped up as acting Chair following the departure of Hon Dame Fran Wilde. Both Jackie and Dame Fran have made immense contributions to the leadership of Te Papa which have enhanced the museum's standing on the world stage.' Biography: Chris Swasbrook has more than 25 years' experience in stockbroking and funds management. He is currently Managing Director of Elevation Capital and Co-Founder and Director of NZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company. He is also Chair of the Auckland Future Fund, Executive Chair of McCashin's Brewery, a board member of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and member of the NZX Listing Sub-Committee. Mr Swasbrook is also an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee. He was previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, and was Chair of Allied Farmers, Chair of Bethunes Investments, Director of NZX-listed Mowbray Collectables, Director of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Director of NZX-listed Satara Co-Operative Group.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Chris Swasbrook Appointed As Chair Of Te Papa
Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Swasbrook has been appointed as Chair of the Te Papa Board says Chris Bishop, Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. 'Chris Swasbrook is a prominent New Zealand investor with more than 25 years' experience working in finance. He has an extensive resume in executive and governance roles in many large-scale New Zealand businesses and organisations,' Mr Bishop says. 'Born in Auckland, he has been a long-time supporter of local business and arts communities. Chris is Chair of the Auckland Future Fund and an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee – roles which have shown his commitment to thriving arts infrastructure in New Zealand. 'Chris will bring valuable commercial, financial and investment governance experience to Te Papa. His strategic insights and international perspective will undoubtedly prove valuable to our national museum. 'I would like to thank Jackie Lloyd who has stepped up as acting Chair following the departure of Hon Dame Fran Wilde. Both Jackie and Dame Fran have made immense contributions to the leadership of Te Papa which have enhanced the museum's standing on the world stage.' Biography: Chris Swasbrook has more than 25 years' experience in stockbroking and funds management. He is currently Managing Director of Elevation Capital and Co-Founder and Director of NZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company. He is also Chair of the Auckland Future Fund, Executive Chair of McCashin's Brewery, a board member of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and member of the NZX Listing Sub-Committee. Mr Swasbrook is also an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee. He was previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, and was Chair of Allied Farmers, Chair of Bethunes Investments, Director of NZX-listed Mowbray Collectables, Director of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Director of NZX-listed Satara Co-Operative Group.
