New Zealand Institute of Earth Sciences - 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 of Earth Sciences (ESI).

About the Board

ESI is an amalgamation of Geological and Nuclear Science (GNS Science), National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Science (NIWA) and MetService. The entity is governed by a board (the Board) of between two to nine directors. The Board will undertake the duties and responsibilities as set out in the Crown Research Institutes Act 1992.

Objectives and functions

ESI is a Crown-owned company that carries out scientific research for the benefit of New Zealand. ESI will be supporting energy security and sustainability; developing land, marine and mineral resources; and improving resilience to natural hazards and climate-related risks. ESI will:

• Undertake research in priority areas, including those identified by Government, that have long-term economic, environment and health impact that can benefit New Zealand.
• Provide stewardship research and science services needed to inform key regulatory and policy decisions, and give confidence to markets, government and the public.
• Facilitate clustering of knowledge bases and collaboration on large scale opportunities to achieve technological breakthroughs that kick-start internationally competitive innovation ecosystems.

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 board members to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.

Collective duties

The collective duties of directors are to ensure that CRIs 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(external link), and the Public Service Commission’s code of conduct(external link).

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).

Remuneration and time commitment

Remuneration for directors is determined in accordance with the Treasury’s Crown Companies Fees Methodology. Accordingly, the annual remuneration for an ESI director is $58,300.

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 to the establishment of the Public Research Organisations, directors may need to spend additional time as required.

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

Person specifications

Specific skills

At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates for the member role on ESI, whose skills and experience align with the following:

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

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.

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