Royal Society Te Apārangi Council meeting – 18 September 2025

At the start of the meeting, the Council took the opportunity to welcome our two new Council members to their first Council meeting:

• Dr William Rolleston CNZM CRSNZ was elected by the Membership Electoral College.  He brings extensive governance experience,  including Genomics Aotearoa and MOTU Economic and Public Policy Research. William was the founding Chair of the Life Sciences Network (which advocates for science and industry organisations) and has been a member of the government’s Science System Advisory Group and Technical Advisory Group on Genetic Modification. He has recently been made a Companion of the Society. 
• Professor Stephen May FRSNZ was elected as Deputy Chair of the Academy Executive Committee. He is a social scientist who was awarded the Durie Medal in 2023, and whose interdisciplinary research traverses linguistics, sociology, political theory, education, and law. He has published on language rights, revitalisation of Indigenous languages, bilingual education, critical multiculturalism, and the multilingual turn in language learning.

The Council acknowledged the importance of celebrating 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and members were encouraged by our Pou Tiaki to take the time to learn more.

The Council acknowledged the passing of Dame Joan Metge DBE. Dame Joan was a social anthropologist who promoted bicultural understanding, mentored many emerging researchers, and advocated for the rights of research participants. The Society awards the Metge Medal every 2 years to a social scientist who has not only shown excellence in their research area but also in creating connections and opportunities for others. Dame Joan was one of ‘150 Women in 150 Words’ featured during the Society’s 150th Anniversary.

Risk assessment:  The Council is very aware of the ongoing uncertainty in relation to the changes to the science system in the soon-to-be released report of the Science System Advisory Group. Management expect to have greater clarity with regard to funding decisions by October/November and will update the Council at the December meeting.

Funding cuts to the Marsden Fund and to the Society’s research contract management fees have had an impact on the Society’s assessment of risk. Management are currently working with MBIE to minimise the negative impact of the reduction to the Society’s contract management fees on its work programmes.

The Council discussed the importance of growing more diverse revenue streams to mitigate the proposed cuts to funding and the Council will be discussing further in December. 

Financial reporting:  The annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 for both the Society and the Endowment Fund Trust were noted. Once approved, the Society’s financial statements will be placed on the Charities Services website.

Grant Thornton have completed their audit of the Society’s financial statements. The Audit Director was very complimentary of the audit process and in particular of the Chief Operating Officer and his team. Council discussed the Audit Findings Report, with final details yet to be confirmed. 

Membership Forums: The ‘points-of-contact’ are still to be confirmed for several of our membership groups. Follow-ups by the People & Membership Advisor are currently underway.

Acting Chief Executive: The Council were pleased to confirm that James Henry will be the Acting Chief Executive from 1 October 2025 until Justine Daw starts on 5 January 2026.