Tumu Whakarae | Message from Chief Executive

Kia ora koutou. 

Brent has highlighted in his report some of the main areas of activity we have been involved with over recent months.  I will not repeat any of that here except to say how good it was to be able to celebrate in-person the excellence and achievements of our Research Honours awardees, with three events being held in different centres during November. Our congratulations, again, to all awardees.

As I write this, we are hosting over 50 school students in the whare over the next three days for our Powering Potential programme which exposes young people to research related to key challenges, and to be mentored by members of our research community as they learn how to work together to address problems.  This is another example of the significant opportunity we are able to generate through our extraordinary networks of people.  My thanks to all involved.

I emailed all Fellows earlier this week with an invitation to join us on the journey to develop a new, long-term vision and strategy for Royal Society Te Apārangi.  This is the first phase of work coming out of discussions earlier in the year, and as mentioned in previous newsletters.  As stated in my email, it is timely now for the Society to examine how we can add most value and be relevant to the future of New Zealand as the world is increasingly rapidly changing. This is an opportunity for the Society to ask questions that shape our future, enabling us to serve better the needs of today’s New Zealanders and of generations to come.  To help us with this work, we have commissioned independent consultants, MartinJenkins, to facilitate the first phase of this work, during which we look forward to hearing from you as well as individuals from other membership categories.  I encourage you to respond via the online tool which can be found at: Shaping the Society’s future – take part now

It only remains for me to thank you for all your support and to wish you Meri Kirihimete and a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday season!

Ngā manaakitanga,

Paul

Paul Atkins
Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive