New Zealand Institute for Advance Technology Director

On behalf of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) Board.

About the Board

NZIAT will be a dedicated public research organisation (PRO) driving economic growth through advanced technology development and commercialisation. 

NZIAT will first be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity, and will take on PRO status when legislation comes into effect in July 2026.

Objectives and functions

NZIAT will fill a gap in the current system by providing leadership and coordination in New Zealand’s advanced technology research and creating stronger pathways to commercial outcomes. It will be New Zealand’s centre of expertise on advanced technology:

• Connecting world-class research teams across universities, PROs, and private sector research partners.
• Transforming technological breakthroughs into commercial success.
• Building New Zealand's knowledge and foresight capability in critical emerging technologies.
• Linking New Zealand's expertise into global technology networks and markets.
• Connecting researchers and industry to solve hard problems.

Person specifications

Specific skills 

At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates for two Director roles on the Board, whose skills and experience align with one of the following:

Role one: Entrepreneurial scientist

• Science professional or researcher with proven track record in the commercialisation of research and development
• Ability to guide the conversation of scientific findings into actionable policies and market ready solutions
• Depth and breadth of governance experience
• Credibility across the science sector, with extensive networks, both nationally and internationally

Role two: Strategic finance

• Ability to assess the strategic financial performance of an organisation at the governance level, including evaluating spending and investment opportunities and decisions
• Experience in capital programmes and asset management.
• Experience assessing value for money
• Business and commercial acumen and depth and breadth of governance experience
• Audit and risk experience, preferably in audit and risk committee Chair roles
• Ideally a Chartered Accountant and/or possessing prior CFO experience

Additional skills, experience, and attributes 

In addition to skills outlined for each role, the following would be advantageous to applicants:

• Knowledge of public accountability, machinery of government, and New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system.
• Stakeholder relationship and management experience. 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. 

Board membership

Role of Directors

The Public Service Commission’s guidance sets out that a Crown entity director should:

• Comply with the Crown Entities Act, Companies Act and other relevant legislation.
• Act with honesty, integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests.
• Act with reasonable care, diligence and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances).
• Avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances.
• Provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations.
• Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively. 
• Manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity.
• Attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity.
• Provide guidance and support to other Directors to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.

Collective duties

The collective duties of Directors are to ensure that PROs act consistently with their objectives, that the functions of the entity are performed efficiently, effectively, in a manner consistent with the spirit of service to the public, and in a financially responsible manner. 

The duties of Directors are described in the Companies Act and the Crown Entities Act. In addition, Directors should demonstrate strong personal integrity and ethics that will enable them to meet their obligations as a Director. 

Directors are expected to adhere to the board conduct principles outlined in the Treasury’s Owner’s expectations manual, and the Public Service Commission’s Code of conduct:

Owner’s Expectations Manual [PDF 2.0 MB](external link) — Treasury

Code of conduct(external link) — Public Service Commission

Further information on the relationships between Crown entities, Ministers, and departments can be found at:

It Takes Three: Operating Expectations Framework for Statutory Crown Entities(external link) — Public Service Commission 

Remuneration and time commitment

The expected time commitment for a Director is 20 days per year. Remuneration for Directors is determined in accordance with the Treasury’s Crown Company Fees Methodology. Accordingly, the annual remuneration for a Board Director is $36,809.

The Board is expected to meet on average ten times a year, with the majority of those meetings in person. However, in the lead up and during the establishment of the entity, Directors may need to spend additional time as required. 

Additional time of up to one day for each Board meeting will be required for preparation.

Disclosure of interest

Before a person is appointed as a Director of a Crown entity, the person must complete a disclosure form informing the shareholding Ministers the nature and extent (including monetary value, if quantifiable) of all interests that the person has at that time, or is likely to have, in matters relating to the Crown entity company.

Additional information

For enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz