New MacDiarmid Institute Board Chair has extensive experience across both the science system and Te Aō Māori

9 February, 2022

Hēmi Rolleston, MacDiarmid Institute Board Chair

Long-time MacDiarmid Institute Board member Hēmi Rolleston, from Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui, has been appointed as Chair of the MacDiarmid Institute Board. Mr Rolleston is currently General Manager Māori Economy and Science Services at Scion and has served on the MacDiarmid Board in various capacities since 2017, first as Callaghan Innovation’s representative and then as an Independent Board member.

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington Vice-Provost (Research) Professor Margaret Hyland said Mr Rolleston’s appointment brought a wealth of knowledge of both the science system and Te Aō Māori.

“Hēmi is a respected and highly capable leader with extensive experience in the science and commercial world of innovation. He also brings genuine and meaningful relationships with Māori communities, scientists and business people.”

MacDiarmid Institute Co-Directors Professors Nicola Gaston and Justin Hodgkiss both welcomed the appointment.

Professor Gaston said that as a Board member in 2019 and 2020, Mr Rolleston had been integral to the Institute’s successful rebid.

“Hēmi brought his extensive connections and vision to the rebid discussions and the development of our new research plans, including our Mātauranga Māori Research Programme. He was a key member of our presentation to the Royal Society CoRE selection panel in 2020.”

Professor Hodgkiss said that Mr Rolleston’s work was based strongly on values and relationships.

“He has extensive experience and expertise in creating impact for the Māori business and economic sector, as well as strong personal connections with our partners at Whakarewarewa Living Village in Rotorua.’

Mr Rolleston takes up his new role this month. He replaces Paul Atkins who has taken up the position of Chief Executive of the Royal Society.