Latest news with #JohnRoche
RNZ News
02-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
PM's new science advisor John Roche
Chief science advisor Dr John Roche Photo: Supplied The Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, John Roche, is getting underway with his new job, a year after the position was vacated by his predecessor Dame Juliet Gerrard. John Roche was previously the Chief Science Advisor at the Ministry of Primary Industries.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Chief Science Advisor Needs Courage To Take Honest Look At GE Failures
Press Release – GE Free NZ The new Chief Scientist should recommend aligning research investment with the existing value food chain to preserve New Zealands healthy, high quality food that is GE Free. The Government's newly appointed chief science advisor Mr John Roche, must have the courage to advise and deprioritise investments in New Zealand GE trials that have failed to deliver. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as quoted in the NZ Herald has said 'I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.' [1] This points directly to being honest and aware about the poor performance of all New Zealand field trials of genetically engineered / modified organisms. After 25 years and the millions of dollars of public funds given to GE at the expense of other research and development (R&D) sectors, none of the outcomes provide any solutions to help advance farmers productivity. [2] 'The areas that need courageous advice and halting of investment should be focused toward the failure of the NZ GE field trials' said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ 'To date, every New Zealand GE field trial has failed and not delivered on investment. Investing and supporting existing traditional non-GE cultivars that are being used today would have to greatest value, impact and public good for New Zealanders.' New Zealand benefits from diverse farming practices using high performing mixed pastures, grass fed animals and humane husbandry practices with superior animal breeds that are resistant to foot rot and worms. Organic milk produced from grass fed animals with no pesticides used or GE in the product chain is attracting a premium for milk solids of $11.50-$12.50/kg. [3] The new Chief Scientist should recommend aligning research investment with the existing value food chain to preserve New Zealand's healthy, high quality food that is GE Free. Safe, natural food is what the consumers in export markets want and a marketing advantage for New Zealand. This is threatened by deregulation in the Gene Technology Bill. If we lose our export advantage it harms the regional and rural sector economy which currently benefit from the export market and consumer choice for GE-free produce. The concerns about the Gene Technology Bill are reflected in the petition by Lisa Er which closes on 17 June. [4] The Prime Minister has asked for Mr Roche's advice. He should support the recommendations of independent watchdog Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGRNZ) to set up an inquiry into The Gene Technology Bill and for major changes to the science funding system. [4]
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Chief Science Advisor Needs Courage To Take Honest Look At GE Failures
The Government's newly appointed chief science advisor Mr John Roche, must have the courage to advise and deprioritise investments in New Zealand GE trials that have failed to deliver. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as quoted in the NZ Herald has said "I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders." [1] This points directly to being honest and aware about the poor performance of all New Zealand field trials of genetically engineered / modified organisms. After 25 years and the millions of dollars of public funds given to GE at the expense of other research and development (R&D) sectors, none of the outcomes provide any solutions to help advance farmers productivity. [2] "The areas that need courageous advice and halting of investment should be focused toward the failure of the NZ GE field trials" said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ "To date, every New Zealand GE field trial has failed and not delivered on investment. Investing and supporting existing traditional non-GE cultivars that are being used today would have to greatest value, impact and public good for New Zealanders." New Zealand benefits from diverse farming practices using high performing mixed pastures, grass fed animals and humane husbandry practices with superior animal breeds that are resistant to foot rot and worms. Organic milk produced from grass fed animals with no pesticides used or GE in the product chain is attracting a premium for milk solids of $11.50-$12.50/kg. [3] The new Chief Scientist should recommend aligning research investment with the existing value food chain to preserve New Zealand's healthy, high quality food that is GE Free. Safe, natural food is what the consumers in export markets want and a marketing advantage for New Zealand. This is threatened by deregulation in the Gene Technology Bill. If we lose our export advantage it harms the regional and rural sector economy which currently benefit from the export market and consumer choice for GE-free produce. The concerns about the Gene Technology Bill are reflected in the petition by Lisa Er which closes on 17 June. [4] The Prime Minister has asked for Mr Roche's advice. He should support the recommendations of independent watchdog Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGRNZ) to set up an inquiry into The Gene Technology Bill and for major changes to the science funding system. [4] References [2] [3] [4] [5]
Agriland
08-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Kerry man named chief science adviser to New Zealand PM
Dr John Roche, who originally hails from Co. Kerry, has been appointed as the chief science adviser to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Roche will take up the role, which has been vacant for almost a year, moving from his current position as the chief science adviser in the country's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). He will also act as deputy chair for the newly formed Science and Technology Advisory Council in New Zealand. New Zealand In announcing the new council, Luxon said 'to unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home'. 'This council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders. 'The council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy. 'I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders,' he added. Chief science adviser Luxon said that in his role as the prime minister's chief science adviser, John Roche 'will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice'. Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, will chair the new council, with Dr Roche as deputy chair. 'These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. 'They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals. 'A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy,' Luxon said. The council will provide its first formal advice to the New Zealand prime minister and Minister Reti later this year. John Roche, who grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, was appointed MPI's chief science adviser in June 2018. He leads MPI's science forum, chairs the science governance group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis strategic science advisory group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister's chief science adviser's forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences. He was previously DairyNZ's principal scientist for animal science and has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. John has an Honours degree in agricultural science, a Masters in farm systems and pasture management, and a PhD in animal nutrition.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PM's Science Council To Set Direction For Science
Press Release – New Zealand Government This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Prime Minister Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council. 'We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they're working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,' Mr Luxon says. 'This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders. 'The Council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy. 'I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.' Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include: Sir Peter Gluckman Craig Piggott Professor Merryn Tawhai Komal Mistry-Mehta Malcolm Johns Dr John Roche 'I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.' Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair. 'These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,' Mr Luxon says. 'A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.' The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year. Biographies of Council members: Sir Peter Gluckman Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards. Craig Piggott Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company's solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business. Merryn Tawhai Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI's Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society. Komal Mistry-Mehta Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra's corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand's largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra's global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America's and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand's Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Malcolm Johns Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand's transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems John Roche John was appointed MPI's Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI's Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser's forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ's Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.
