The current Chief Executive of the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, James Palmer, has been announced as the new Chief Executive of Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ).
He will take up the role with effect from 2 March 2026.
Palmer comes well qualified for the job. Prior to his executive position with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), he was Chief Executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
During his time with the Council, he was involved in freshwater and resource management reform, and was responsible for regional state of environment monitoring, flood and coastal management, and civil defence.
“James’ experience, which covers the key areas of core science for Earth Sciences NZ, coupled with his extensive leadership background, made him an ideal candidate. The Board is delighted with his appointment,” said ESNZ Chair, David Smol.
Prior to Hawkes Bay, he was Deputy Secretary Sector Strategy at MfE, Director of Strategy, Systems and Science Policy at the Ministry for Primary Industries, Director Strategy Development at the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Fisheries, and a Research Fellow with the Ecologic Foundation.
He has also served as a board member of both the Sustainable Seas and Deep South national science challenges, a member of the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group, and held advisory roles with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and the Foundation for Arable Research.
Currently, Palmer is also the chair of the Climate Change Interagency Executive Board, a member of the National Hazards Board and co-chair of the guardians of the Aotearoa Circle.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Earth Sciences NZ at this exciting time,” Palmer said.
“The combined capabilities and scale of the new organisation will enable greater insights and solutions to New Zealand’s hazard and natural resource challenges and create new opportunities to innovate and support economic growth.
“ESNZ is also well positioned to make an even greater contribution to key areas of science and innovation on the global stage.”
ESNZ was formed in July 2025 through the merger of GNS Science and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
Next year, MetService and the Measurements Standards Laboratory will also become part of ESNZ, giving the body an overall revenue of approximately NZ$400 million and 1,500 staff.
