Reflections – Brent Clothier President of Royal Society Te Apārangi
Hāpaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu.
Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence, and growth for future generations.
My 3-year term as President of Royal Society Te Apārangi concludes at the end of June. This term as President was preceded by a year as President-Elect, beginning in 2020.
The Society is a broad entity with a long and storied history over 157 years. The Royal Society Te Apārangi fulfils a wide range of valuable services and critical roles for our Fellows, Companions, Members, Branches, and Constituent Societies, plus a breadth of stakeholders, funders, friends, and supporters across diverse institutions and organisations, both here in Aotearoa and around the world. The Society has a strong convening power across this ambit, and to lead the Council of the Society has been rewarding. It has been an honour and privilege to be President, notwithstanding a few challenges. Here I reflect on the highlights and hiccups of the past 4 years.
Just before my Presidency began, we farewelled a long-standing Chief Executive, Andrew Cleland, and then welcomed, and almost immediately farewelled Dame Cindy Kiro, who left us to become Governor-General. Dame Cindy transformed from Chief Executive to Patron of the Society in one fell swoop! Paul Atkins joined us as Chief Executive in late November 2021.
Soon after becoming President in mid-July 2021, an external issue arose that had internal consequences for us. Various constituent parts of the Society queried the recognition of their roles within the organisation and questioned the strength of their agency with the Council. These concerns were apposite and noted by the Council. Actions were promised.
A decision was taken to develop, for the first time, a long-term, intergenerational strategy. In Paul’s previous role with the eco-sanctuary Zealandia, he had led the development of their 20-year strategy, sitting within the context of a 500-year vision related to the life span of a Northern Rata. Whereas such a long-term vision is apt for an eco-sanctuary, our strategic focus needed to be a little more immediate! The Society contracted the consultancy MartinJenkins to conduct, on our behalf, a far-reaching process of engagement to seek input and advice for the building of our strategy. We held face-to-face meetings with Fellows and Members at six locations around New Zealand; our kāhui Māori held two wānanga; our ECR members provided input through their He Pito Mata Forum; and we received 400 responses to an electronic questionnaire. Conversations were held with stakeholders in Aotearoa and internationally. From this extensive and intensive engagement, a 20-year strategy was developed. This outlasts the term of a President, and likely that of a Chief Executive. Here are the highlights.
Our vision is “… an Aotearoa New Zealand guided and inspired by science and research”. [We expand in the strategy document on the definition of our shorthand use of ‘science and research’]. Our purpose is “… growing pathways of knowledge to enable science and research to be shared for the benefit of all”. The strategy outlines how we will draw on our strengths through agency with all limbs of the Society, such that guided by our values, and we will work collectively on a set of agreed strategic priorities. These priorities will be (and are being) used to develop action plans for future Presidents. This process of strategy formulation has been engaging and rewarding. The strategy provides the Society with an important beacon as the organisation focuses on making a difference for Aotearoa New Zealand, and the world, through the sharing of knowledge.
So in reflection over the past 4 years, I’m reminded of the great All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick who was oft-heard to say … it’s been a game of two halves.
The kaimahi of the Society are doing fantastic work, and I have enjoyed their support and camaraderie. Ngā mihi nui. I thank the Council for their support and governance work. And special thanks to Paul Atkins (Chief Executive) and Fiona Campbell (Board Secretary) for our fruitful, friendly, and sometimes challenging chats. I wish the incoming President, Dame Jane Harding, all the best for her tenure of the Presidency. It’s a great job! Kia kaha.
Dr Brent Clothier FRSNZ
President, Royal Society Te Apārangi