ZEALANDIA Announces New CEO
Wellington, NZ - The Board of the Karori Sanctuary Trust (Zealandia) announced today that Paul Atkins has been appointed
as Zealandia’s new Chief Executive. He will be taking up the role in mid November.
Paul Atkins is currently Chief Executive of NERI (the National Energy Research Institute). Paul’s career spans more than
30 years in international relations, science and technology. Paul has been instrumental in establishing partnerships
across the research, science and trade sectors. He has an active interest in sustainable development and science
communication.
Paul previously worked for Izon Science Ltd as Director of Business Development and with the British Council in a number
of senior management roles. He came to New Zealand in 1999 as Director of the British Council. During his time with the
Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Paul established their first international group, promoting
international science collaborations.
Paul also has an active personal interest in Zealandia, and has regularly worked as a volunteer on kaka monitoring and
other activities.
Denise Church, Chair of the KST Board, said “Paul Atkins will bring a valuable combination of science collaboration,
business development and organisational leadership skills. His practical experience of Zealandia as a volunteer is the
icing on the cake.”
Paul holds an MSc from Reading University in the UK, and is also a member of the Institute of Physics (UK), the Royal
Society of New Zealand, and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (UK).
ENDS