NZBIO: Farewell from the CEO

It is a meaningful word – “farewell”. In its contemporary use it basically means; “see you later and take care.” In its Old English translation however, it means much more, something like “I am leaving now and even though our paths may or may not pass again, I hope you fare well in the world in future.”

I must confess it feels a little emotional saying farewell after three years. It is with great confidence however, that I leave NZBIO, knowing that indeed, NZ’s bioscience industries will “fare well” in the future. No doubt also I will remain involved in some way or another such is my passion for bioenterprise – so I will look forward to seeing you all in the future, even if it’s only at one of the Rugby World Cup games, preferably at a Wallabies vs All Blacks final!

I want to take this opportunity to highlight why I hold so much enthusiasm for the future of NZBIO with some of the key achievements.

• An increase in activity to establish NZBIO’s position as an effective industry advocate, working closely with Ministers, Members of Parliament and the many government officials who have assisted us to reposition the importance of bioscience towards NZ’s future economic growth.

• The delivery of several significant industry reports, including the NZBIO’s first major positioning statement, Driving Economic Growth Through Bio-Based Industries: Report of the 2009 Bioeconomy Industry Summit, along with a number of other bioscience growth and special interest reports.

• Significantly increased our policy, advocacy and representation activities, and the number of policy submissions to Government including submissions in Government’s RS&T priorities, clinical research, clinical trials and numerous supporting submissions to ERMA to support trials on genetic modification.

• A proactive media campaign, focusing on positioning New Zealand’s bioeconomy as a key platform to increase national productivity and economic competitiveness.

• The Annual NZBIO Conference continues to grow in attendance and profile each year, showcasing New Zealand’s bio enterprise capability, attracting delegates from around the world. (Register here for NZBIO 2011)

• NZBIO project lead three very successful international delegations to the AusBiotech and Bio Conferences. These conferences attracted the largest ever Kiwi delegations and thanks to NZTE who provided investment to allow these projects to proceed.

• The development of a network of affiliated industry associations both nationally and internationally providing members with wider advocacy representation and networking opportunities.

These are but a few of the strengths the organisation will carry forward into what I believe is a very bright future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those colleagues, members and sponsors who have collaborated to create a working environment supportive enough to allow the rise in profile and development that NZ’s bio-based industries has experienced throughout my term at NZBIO.

In particular I would like to thank the various Directors, especially the Chairs, Jim McLean, Peter Fennessy and Maxine Simmons. Of course nothing can be achieved without the hard work and determination of the NZBIO team and that is why I feel secure leaving it in their safe and capable hands. NZBIO’s Business and Industry Development Executive, Peter Bradley, will be interim CEO until my successor is announced.

It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve NZ’s bioscience community, members and sponsors whose dedication to the industry is truly inspiring. I need not say farewell – such is the confidence that I have for the future of bioenterprise in New Zealand.

All the very best,
Bronwyn Dilley

ENDS

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