Nikki brings more than 25 years of experience across science, innovation, commercialisation and Māori economic development. Of Waikato-Maniapoto descent, she has built her career at the intersection of research, industry, government and Māori enterprise, with a strong focus on translating scientific discovery, biodiversity and mātauranga Māori into opportunities that deliver lasting environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits.

Many of you will already know Nikki through her role as Kaihautū Māori Research Impact Leader within the Indigenous Innovation and Partnerships team at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao.

“I am incredibly excited to lead a biodiscovery initiative with the potential to redefine how Aotearoa-New Zealand creates value from our indigenous species, proving that economic growth, environmental stewardship, and Māori aspirations can advance together rather than compete with one another” says Nikki.

Throughout her career, Nikki has led and contributed to nationally significant initiatives, including the New Zealand Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, capability development programmes for Māori landowners, and commercialisation initiatives that have helped translate research into new products, partnerships and ventures. Her expertise spans intellectual property, natural products innovation, investment readiness and Indigenous-led enterprise development.

Nikki's appointment marks an important milestone as we move from planning towards establishing the Biodiscovery Platform.

Her extensive experience, strong relationships across the innovation ecosystem and commitment to delivering meaningful impact will be invaluable as the Platform takes shape.

Richard Newcomb and Stacey Whitiora will continue supporting this work, alongside convening the Establishment Advisory Group and progressing the establishment of the Oversight Committee.

Getting the Platform to this point is no small undertaking, and the progress made reflects a significant collective effort, commitment and collaboration across many teams and partners.