Meg Matthews appointed Cawthron chair

Media Release: 1 October 2018

Meg Matthews brings considerable governance experience to role as Chair of Cawthron Institute Board of Directors

Meg Matthews has been appointed chair of the Cawthron Institute Board of Directors. She replaces Ian Kearney who has retired from the Board after 15 years as chair.

Cawthron Institute Trust Board chair Bob Dickinson says that Ms Matthews’ appointment will ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Cawthron Institute, which had a turnover of $38m in the year ending June 2018.

“Meg has considerable local governance experience and I am confident that under her guidance we will continue to carry out world-leading research. Cawthron’s team includes 250 scientists with expertise in aquaculture research, marine and freshwater resource management, food safety and quality, algal technologies, biosecurity, and analytical testing.”

“Science is going through an exciting time and I’m looking forward to supporting a strategic vision around research,” says Matthews. “Cawthron Institute was established in 1919 with a major bequest from Thomas Cawthron, a prominent Nelson business figure, who had a vision of science contributing to the growth of a young New Zealand. His legacy continues to this day and I am excited to be part of the journey.”

Matthews’ commercial experience includes more than 10 years in senior management positions. Matthews is a qualified accountant who started her career with Deloitte. Since then she has amassed a diverse and impressive track record of experience across key business disciplines of finance, human resource management, strategic planning, and marketing. She is a former World of WearableArt (WOW) CEO and was Head of Marketing (Australasia) for Air New Zealand.

In recent years, Matthews has concentrated on governance and her current roles include: Future Director Meridian Energy, Director of Mevo, Director of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency, and Trustee of Appleby School.

Matthews, who grew up in the Bay of Islands and is of Ngai Tahu descent, is proudly kiwi and sees Cawthron as one of New Zealand’s national treasures. “Cawthron is a place where we have leading scientists from around the world engaged in generating new ideas as well as near-to-application research. Research done here is making a difference to the economy, society, and environment in Nelson, New Zealand and the world.”

ENDS

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