With a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, these directors are shaping Scion’s future success and driving our mission forward.

Former Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall appointed Nicole Anderson, Phil Taylor and Kiriwaitingi Rei-Russell to Scion’s board for a three-year term.

Board chair Dr Helen Anderson says she’s delighted by the calibre of the individuals, who were welcomed to the board in July.

“Their passion for sustainability, economic development and good governance aligns perfectly with Scion’s mission. Their contributions will be instrumental in shaping our organisation’s future success.”

As a chartered professional director, Nicole Anderson (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Te Aupōuri) has a proven track record in governance across a range of sectors, bringing experience in strategic analysis, business planning and commercial development to Scion’s board. She is currently a director at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Far North Holdings, Top Energy and is the chair at Northland Inc,  Northland’s Regional Economic Development Agency. After three years’ service she has also recently become board chair at International
Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), the national authority for the accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies and radiology services.

Phil Taylor brings more than four decades of experience in commercial forestry to his new director role at Scion. He has served on  numerous boards and directorships, primarily focusing on research and development and community service organisations. He has gained international experience in forestry and governance and has held chief executive roles in forestry since 1999. Currently, Taylor is the managing director at Port Blakely in Canterbury. In this role, he oversees all of NZ Forestry’s holdings. He also serves on the board of both the New Zealand Forest Owners Association and the Forest Growers Levy Trust.

Their passion for sustainability, economic development and good governance aligns perfectly with Scion’s mission. - Dr Helen Anderson, Board Chair

Kiriwaitingi Rei-Russell (Te Arawa – Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, and Ngāti Awa – Te Pahipoto) was born and raised in Rotorua. She has a legal and governance background with a strong focus on primary industries. An advocate for Māori economic and commercial development, she was the chief executive at Māori Investments for 10 years and is now the head of Māori Alliances at Zespri based in Mount Maunganui. While being heavily involved in the kiwifruit industry, Rei-Russell currently holds directorships on Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Ltd, Waiu Dairy LP and Putauaki Trust. She is also the deputy chair of the Māori Kiwifruit Growers Inc and was the first woman appointed to the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. She was also a future director to the Board of Auckland lnternational Airport from 2016 to 2018.

The trio join existing Scion directors Helen Anderson, Greg Mann, Stana Pezic, Dr Jon Ryder, and Brendon Green (Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi). Their first meeting together in July was also the first for future director Zara Morrison (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa). Morrison was nominated for the 12-month role by the trustees of Ngā Hapū e Toru – Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu.

“Zara is a member of Ngāti Taeotu and we are pleased to walk alongside her as she takes her next steps in governance with this  appointment. Her research background and financial acumen lends itself well to this future director role,” said trustees Hoki Kahukiwa and Veronica Butterworth.

“Her commitment to Te Ao Māori, interest in driving equitable opportunities and outcomes for Māori, and her relationship management capabilities ensure that the relationship between the hapū and Scion will continue to grow.”