Genomics Aotearoa is pleased to introduce our refreshed Governance Board, marking an important step in securing ongoing strategic oversight and ensuring the continued impact of genomic science across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Board plays a critical role in guiding the platform’s strategic direction. The Board has responsibility for approving project funding, supporting strategic decision-making, providing sector feedback and intelligence, monitoring progress against strategic goals, and representing the interests of the platform externally. Through this leadership, the Board helps ensure that Genomics Aotearoa continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for research, innovation, and communities.
We are delighted to welcome Emeritus Professor Roberta Farrell as the new Chair of the Genomics Aotearoa Board. Roberta brings extensive experience in academic, industrial and commercial applications of biochemistry and biotechnology, along with a strong track record of leadership and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing research in Aotearoa.
We are also pleased to welcome Brendan O’Connell to the Board. Brendan joins with expertise in the agritech ecosystem, contributing valuable perspectives that will support the Board’s work in shaping future priorities and opportunities for the platform.
We thank our Board members Papatuanuku Nahi, Jan Hania and Dr Gerard O’Regan for staying on and providing vital continuity. Their experience, insight, and commitment ensure strong governance and help maintain momentum.
We extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Chair Dr William Rolleston for his outstanding leadership and service as Board Chair. During his tenure, he helped to strengthen partnerships across the genomics sector and advance the platform’s strategic priorities, positioning Genomics Aotearoa for future success.
Focus groups held during 2025 helped establish priorities in our missions of Health, Primary Production and Environment. Based on the recommendations from these focus groups, we have initiated project development across all missions and the GA team is looking forward to presenting proposals to the Board.
Left to right: Gerard O'Regan, Jan Hania, Brendan O'Connell, Papatuanuku Nahi and Roberta Farrell
Board Members
Professor Roberta Farrell, Chair Roberta Lee Farrell CNZM FRSNZ FIAWS is a scientist of international renown in the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology, with academic, industrial and commercial experience. As Associate Director of Research –Industrial Enzymes with Repligen, she led the cloning of lignin peroxidases and application of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry. Subsequently, as chief operating officer of Sandoz Chemicals Biotech Research Corporation, she combined science with commercial development, leading an international team to create a fungal product, using Mendelian genetics, for resin degradation. In 1995, after emigration to New Zealand, she led research programmes for biocontrol in wood, which included with students and postdoctoral fellows a large survey of Ophiostomataceae in New Zealand. Bioremediation using Mātauranga Māori methodology for degradation of dioxins in soils was done together with Ngati Awa. Additionally, she has led an international team in Antarctica, contributing to an understanding of fungal degradation of Antarctic historic huts and artifacts, biodiversity in pristine sites and pivotal discoveries of microbiology in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Her Governance experience includes being on the Board of Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and biotechnology companies. Roberta Farrell is passionate about science and its applications to commercialisation, the environment, health and welfare. She is also passionate about science education, for the public and at school level and is a frequent lecturer. |
Papatuanuku Nahi (Ngāpuhi) Papa Nahi is a senior health leader with over 20 years’ experience working in public health and the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is currently Director, Performance and Funding Hauora Māori Service at Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, where she leads national work on how health services are planned, funded, and measured. Papa has strong experience in using evidence and data to support good decision‑making, and in helping new research and innovation—such as genomics—be turned into real improvements in health services. Her work has covered major national areas including mental health, immunisation, maternity and early years, and funding arrangements with Hauora Māori partners. She brings governance and advisory experience, including serving on the Medical Council of New Zealand Conduct Committee, as well as contributing to a range of other health sector committees. Through these roles, she regularly advises on risk, ethics, use of data, and long‑term impacts. Papa is known for her strong equity focus, practical leadership style, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. She is passionate about ensuring that scientific advances are trusted, ethical, and deliver real benefits for Māori and all New Zealanders. |
Jan Hania (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa-te-au-ki-te-Tonga, Ngāti Huia, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama) Jan is of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa-te-au-ki-te-Tonga, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāti Tama descent, with Friesian heritage also. Jan has over 30 years’ experience in large scale bio-regional and eco-cultural restoration including biodiversity and catchment rejuvenation, regenerative agriculture transition, climate adaptation, circular economies, food system sovereignty and social‑cultural renewal. Jan is currently serving with entities based both in Aotearoa - New Zealand and internationally, currently working in Canada, the Pacific, South-East Asia and Europe. Jan holds leadership and advisory roles across indigenous, research, philanthropic and environmental organisations, including commercial and for-purpose governance roles, including rights of nature, climate transition, philanthropic and impact investment, research, data sovereignty and eco-cultural bioregional restoration. At the heart of his mahi is reconnecting people, land and water through regenerative, relational and indigenous‑led approaches. |
Dr Gerard O’Regan (Ngāi Tahu) Dr Gerard O’Regan is an archaeologist and specialist in cultural heritage. He is Pouhere Kaupapa Māori at Tūhura Otago Museum where he is also undertaking a Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship from the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Gerard was Ngāi Tahu’s first Heritage Manager, served as a ministerial appointee to the Māori Heritage Council of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and is a trustee of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust. Following a PhD (Anthropology) from Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Gerard was a research fellow at the James Henare Māori Research Centre before returning to Dunedin where he is also an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago. He is active in his marae at Moeraki and across Ngāi Tahu heritage kaupapa generally. |
Brendan O’Connell Brendan O’Connell is Chief Executive of AgriTech New Zealand, connecting innovators, researchers, investors, and policymakers to advance agricultural technology. He focuses on strengthening the agritech ecosystem and aligning technology development with real-world adoption and impact. A mechanical engineer by training, Brendan has built an international career spanning product innovation, business development, and technology commercialisation across biomedical devices, telecommunications, and agritech. In his advisory roles, Brendan works at the intersection of science, technology, and industry, supporting the identification and application of high-potential technologies to meet the needs of New Zealand and global agriculture. He brings a practical, systems-level perspective to matching innovation with scalable business opportunities, ensuring technologies deliver productivity, environmental, and market outcomes. |