New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology - Strategic Finance

Overview

NZIAT will be a dedicated public research organisation (PRO) driving economic growth through advanced technology development and commercialisation.

NZIAT will first be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity, and will take on PRO status when legislation comes into effect in July 2026.

NZIAT will fill a gap in the current system by providing leadership and coordination in New Zealand’s advanced technology research and creating stronger pathways to commercial outcomes. It will be New Zealand’s centre of expertise on advanced technology:

• Connecting world-class research teams across universities, PROs, and private sector research partners.
• Transforming technological breakthroughs into commercial success.
• Building New Zealand's knowledge and foresight capability in critical emerging technologies.
• Linking New Zealand's expertise into global technology networks and markets.
• Connecting researchers and industry to solve hard problems.

Role of Directors

The Public Service Commission’s guidance sets out that a Crown entity director should:

• comply with the Crown Entities Act, Companies Act and other relevant legislation
• act with honesty, integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests
• act with reasonable care, diligence and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances)
• avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances
• provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations
• provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively
• manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity
• attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity
• provide guidance and support to other board members to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.

Skills and experience required

At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates for a Director role on the Board, whose skills and experience align with the following

Strategic finance

• Ability to assess the strategic financial performance of an organisation at the governance level, including evaluating spending and investment opportunities and decisions
• Experience in capital programmes and asset management.
• Experience assessing value for money
• Business and commercial acumen and depth and breadth of governance experience
• Audit and risk experience, preferably in audit and risk committee Chair roles
• Ideally a Chartered Accountant and/or possessing prior CFO experience

In addition to skills outlined for each role, the following would be advantageous to applicants:

• Knowledge of public accountability, machinery of government, and New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system.
• Stakeholder relationship and management experience.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

How to apply

Click on the Apply now button below to complete your application. All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Position description - Director

Email boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz if you have any further questions.