As former Mayor of Wellington, and current chair of the Environmental Protection Authority, Kerry brings to Motu a wealth of governance experience and contacts within both the public and private sector in New Zealand.  You can find out more about Kerry on out Board of Trustees page.

Kerry joined the Motu Board after Rod Carr unfortunately had to step down from the Foundation Board due to his  great responsibilities at the University of Canterbury following the February 2011 Earthquake.  We would like to thank Rod for his enthusiastic participation and advice.

After working with Motu since 2004, Colin James is now stepping down from his roles as Chair of the Motu Research Board, and member of the Motu Foundation Board. Colin’s advice and leadership over these years has been invaluable, and he will remain a close friend of the Motu family.

Working with past Director Suzi Kerr and current director Howard Fancy, Colin has seen the Motu Research Trust develop from a small organisation with a big vision, into a highly respected economic research institute recognised for the quality of its research and its relevance to public policy. His knowledge and contacts have also greatly helped the Motu Foundation grow its patron numbers, which has helped to build economic research capability in New Zealand.

Dr John Hay is now stepping in Colin’s shoes as Chair of the Motu Research Board, and member of the Motu Foundation Board chaired by Neil Green. John has already served as member of the Motu Research Board since 2008.

Formerly the Chief Executive of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), John is now an independent consultant and director. Prior to joining ESR in 2000, John held positions within AgResearch’s Grasslands Division, and in the late 1990s was General Manager of Plant Improvement.

In 2006 John was awarded the New Zealand Royal Society’s Thomson Medal for outstanding and inspirational leadership in the management of science.

The Auckland Council has an interest in much of the research that the Foundation supports, including the work of Motu Economic and Public Policy Research into infrastructure, cities and agglomeration, and its Auckland specific research.

Auckland Council joins nine existing patrons:  the Department of Building and Housing, Department of Labour, Fletcher Building, Mighty River Power, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Economic Development, Telecom, Beca, and Solid Energy.

The Motu Foundation board have a key role in improving capability of the public sector, largely by supporting the work of the Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Trust. They also provide scholarships and seed funding for specific research proposals. Find out more about John and the other board members on our Board of Trustees page.

Becoming a patron of the Motu Foundation allows both organisations to support Motu’s work, while ensuring Motu Research continues to determine its own research directions. The Foundation funds are governed by a separate board of trustees, chaired by Colin James.

Beca and Solid Energy join existing patrons the Department of Building and Housing, Department of Labour, Fletcher Building, Mighty River Power, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Economic Development and Telecom.