Sir Paul’s Message Lives On

Sir Paul’s Message Lives On

The McGuinness Institute is remembering Sir Paul Callaghan as ‘a truly great New Zealand leader with a strong vision for the future of New Zealand’. Sir Paul was the keynote speaker at the Institute’s 2011 event StrategyNZ: Mapping our Future and most recently authored the foreword for the Institute’s report Science Embraced: Government-funded science under the microscope.

Chief Executive of the McGuinness Institute, Wendy McGuiness, remembers Sir Paul as not only an exceptional and internationally renowned scientist, but as a visionary leader who had an unfaltering belief in New Zealand’s ability to prosper as a nation. With his charisma, passion and commitment, he was able to ask hard questions, search out answers and inspire many New Zealanders that his vision was worth pursuing – ‘a dream worth having’ as he said in the closing words of his book Wool to Weta: Transforming New Zealand’s culture and economy.

“Sir Paul had a charming way of making us question ‘why not New Zealand?’ He saw untapped potential in New Zealand; a country that has the ability to diversify its core business and use science to grow our economy and propel us forward. He wanted New Zealand to be ‘a place where talent wants to live’, and it is this message that we want to ensure is not lost.”

The Institute celebrates the life of a man who defied the stereotype of what it means to be a scientist. He was renowned for his ability to communicate complex issues and scientific problems in a way that would resonate with all New Zealanders – the ability to spin a great yarn and connect with people from all backgrounds. He was a man that challenged New Zealand to ‘think long-term’ and it is this message that will live on in the many people whom he inspired.

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