Position description: Public Health and Forensic Science Board director
March 2026
On behalf of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry is seeking candidates who wish to
be considered for appointment as a director on the Public Health and Forensic Science Board.
About the Board
About the Board
Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is a Crown owned company, proposed to be fully transitioned
into a Public Research Organisation (PRO) by mid-2026. Formerly the Institute of Environmental Science and
Research (ESR), PHF Science is designed to maximise the value of science sector government funding and will play
a role alongside the other PROs in the stewardship of public good science.
Objectives and functions
PHF Science specialises in strengthening public health through disease detection and response, safeguarding food
and water quality, and ensuring public safety through forensic science services supporting the justice system.
Collectively, the PROs will:
Undertake research in priority areas, including those identified by Government, that have long-term
economic, environment, and health impact that can benefit New Zealand.
Provide stewardship research and science services needed to inform key regulatory and policy decisions,
and give confidence to markets, government, and the public.
Facilitate clustering of knowledge bases and collaboration on large scale opportunities to achieve
technological breakthroughs that kick-start internationally competitive innovation ecosystems.
Board membership
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
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act with honesty, integrity, in good faith, and not at the expense of the entity’s interests
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act with reasonable care, diligence, and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances)
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avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances
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provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’
expectations
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provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively
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manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity
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attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity
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provide guidance and support to other board members to ensure they contribute effectively to the
governance of the entity.
Position description: Public Health and Forensic Science Board director
Collective duties
The collective duties of directors are to ensure that PROs act consistently with their objectives, that the functions
of the entity are performed efficiently, effectively, in a manner consistent with the spirit of service to the public,
and in a financially responsible manner.
Directors are expected to adhere to the board conduct principles outlined in the Treasury’
s Owner’s Expectations
Manual, and the Public Service Commission
’s code of conduct. Further information on the relationships between Crown entities, Ministers, and departments can be found at:
It Takes Three: Operating Expectations Framework for Statutory Crown Entities. Remuneration and time commitment
Directors of the PHF Science Board are paid $42,852 per annum.
The Board is expected to meet on average ten times a year, with the majority of those meetings in person.
Person specifications
Specific skil s
At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates for two director roles on
the PHF Science Board, whose skills and experience align with one of the following:
Role one: strategic finance
› Financial professional, ideal y a Chartered Accountant or possessing Chief Finance Officer experience.
› Ability to assess the strategic financial performance of an organisation at the governance level, including
evaluating spending and investment opportunities and decisions.
› Experience assessing financial risk and 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.
Role two: public health
› Credible public health leader with experience in New Zealand’s public health system.
› Strong sector networks, including an understanding of major industry stakeholders and groups.
› Expertise in related scientific field(s).
› An awareness of international public health systems and best practice.
Foundational skills and experience
In addition to skills outlined for each role, directors are expected to possess some, or all, of the following:
› Depth and breadth of governance experience.
› Leadership skills and strategic capability.
› Financial, business and commercial acumen.
› Effective communication skills, including stakeholder and relationship management experience.
› Knowledge of public accountability, machinery of government, and New Zealand’s science, innovation and
technology system.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Position description: Public Health and Forensic Science Board director
Additional information
For enquiries about the position, email:
[email address]
Document Outline
