Lindsay McKenzie has been announced as the next Chair of the Cawthron Institute Trust Board. He replaces John Palmer who has stepped down at the conclusion of two terms on the Board and Chair since 2019.
Lindsay brings extensive executive experience, governance capability and a deep personal commitment to sustainability and community service.
Lindsay’s background spans a distinguished career as a public sector Chief Executive, where he was well known for combining scientific insight with strong leadership across local government and natural resource management. He currently holds a number of private and public sector governance roles, including directorships with Taylors Contracting and Network Tasman.
Local government and community service remain central to Lindsay’s values. He is a former President of the Nelson YMCA, serves on the Helping Families Nelson board, and contributes as both a Justice of the Peace and an active Rotarian. His broad experience and commitment to sustainable management of natural resources strongly align with Cawthron’s purpose and values.
“I’m taking on the role of Chair at an exciting time for Cawthron. Whilst there are some challenges to navigate in terms of the future of the national science funding system, I am confident that Cawthron’s impactful science and our collaborative approach will continue to make a difference.”
“I look forward to continuing this momentum and supporting Cawthron to deliver science that matters for Aotearoa,” said Lindsay.
John Palmer’s six-year tenure at Cawthron has been marked by transformational research investment, strengthened governance, and deeper partnerships with iwi and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
John has provided exceptional leadership during a period of growth, change, and opportunity. His dedication to strengthening relationships, championing scientific excellence, and embedding iwi partnership leaves a legacy the whole organisation can build on. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the strength and diversity of Cawthron’s governance.
John oversaw the appointment of several highly regarded trustees including the inaugural statutory iwi trustee. This came about as a result of promoting the Thomas Cawthron Trust Amendment Bill which aimed to modernise the Thomas Cawthron Act 1924. The original Act saw the establishment of the Trust Board to govern Cawthron Institute and was intended to have a diverse community voice at the Trust Board table. The addition of a local iwi voice, for a science organisation focused on critical environment problems and opportunities, was a logical step to remaining relevant.
Another significant cultural milestone during John’s time was the return of the treasured taonga Hei Tiki O Merenako to its whānau after more than 60 years in Cawthron’s guardianship — an event that underscored Cawthron’s commitment to respectful and enduring relationships with Māori communities.
“It has been a privilege to serve an organisation whose work has such profound benefit for Aotearoa. Cawthron’s people, partners, and communities are united by a commitment to science that makes a difference. I am immensely proud of what has been achieved together, and despite challenging financial conditions, I have every confidence that the institute is well positioned for an ambitious and impactful future.”
“I am delighted that Lindsay will be my successor, and I look forward to seeing him help Cawthron continue to grow into the future. I am absolutely certain that the Institute has an exciting future ahead” said John.
CAWTHRON’S GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE:
Cawthron Institute is owned by a charitable trust, established in accordance with the Thomas Cawthron Trust Act 1924. In keeping with the original Act, the Trust includes the Member of Parliament for Nelson electorate, the Mayor of Tasman District, the Mayor of Nelson, the Anglican Bishop and an Iwi Member appointment. These Trustees appoint six additional trustees, who bring scientific and business expertise to the Trust.
The Trust appoints Cawthron Institute’s governing Board of Directors, who establish Cawthron’s strategic objectives and policy framework, and appoint the Chief Executive.
