Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has announced the appointment of Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand.
Ms Simpson (pictured) was first appointed to the Antarctica New Zealand Board in 2024 and has contributed to the organisation’s work supporting world leading research, environmental stewardship, and New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica, as well as its oversight of the Scott Base Redevelopment Project.
“Heather Simpson has extensive governance experience and as a current board member, a strong understanding of the strategic importance of Antarctica for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says.
“Ms Simpson’s elevation to Deputy Chair recognises her contribution to date and she will support the Chair and Board in guiding the organisation through a through a strategically and operationally challenging period.”
Ms Simpson has extensive Government and policy experience including as Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the United Nations Development programme. She has led a range of Government reviews and groups including a review of the New Zealand health and disability system and to support the Ministry of Health in improving COVID-19 border security. She is also a Director of Transpower and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The appointment took effect from 1 April.