Dr Barb Hayden has taken over from Dr Don Robertson as Chief Scientist of NIWA’s National Centre for Aquatic Biodiversity & Biosecurity (NCABB). Don handed over the reigns in July, retiring after an illustrious science career spanning four decades.
Barb worked side-by-side with Don for many years as leader of the Centre. She has also led research on marine biosecurity, the sustainability of aquaculture, and is a project leader in the 12-year Marine Biodiversity & Biosecurity Outcome Based Investment (OBI) research programme.
“Don has left big shoes to fill, and we will all miss his wealth of knowledge of marine biodiversity and biosecurity. These are important and exciting research areas for New Zealand, and I hope to build on Don’s substantial legacy,” says Barb.
After completing a PhD in marine biology at the University of Otago, Don began his career in 1973 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, where he was one of the pioneers of deepwater fisheries research and stock assessment. In 1982, he became the first vice-chairman of the Antarctic Treaty Nationals Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. He continued his involvement in resource management of New Zealand and Antarctic waters throughout his career.
In 1991, Don achieved his vision of commissioning New Zealand’s only purpose-built deepwater research vessel, Tangaroa, having lobbied for funding and managed the design and building of the vessel. Tangaroa has since carried scientists all around New Zealand and as far afield as the Ross Sea to improve our understanding of marine systems and the forces that shape them.
Don was NIWA’s Wellington Regional Manager from 1995 until 2002, when he took over leadership of the Biodiversity, Biosecurity, and Information Services area. For the past six months, he’s been enjoying a well-earned retirement at his home on the shores of Lake Hawea.
Barb is a marine biologist with a research background in marine biosecurity and the environmental sustainability of aquaculture. She spent her early career working on oysters and greenshell mussels. A founding member of the NZ Shellfish Sanitation Committee, she established quality assurance procedures for the public health safety of exported cultured shellfish.
Concerned about impacts of introduced marine species on aquaculture, Barb established the first Ballast Water Working Group in 1987 and helped draft guidelines for the management of ships’ ballast water in NZ waters. Since then she has led and managed several large multidisciplinary research projects related to invasive species and aquaculture. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee and a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Invasive Species Specialist Group.
Barb is based in NIWA’s Christchurch office.
Contact: Dr Barb Hayden