Dr John Roche, who originally hails from Co. Kerry, has been appointed as the chief science adviser to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Roche will take up the role, which has been vacant for almost a year, moving from his current position as the chief science adviser in the country's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

He will also act as deputy chair for the newly formed Science and Technology Advisory Council in New Zealand.

In announcing the new council, Luxon said "to unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home".

“This council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.

“The council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy.

“I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren’t delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It’s about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders," he added.

Luxon said that in his role as the prime minister’s chief science adviser, John Roche "will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice".

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, will chair the new council, with Dr Roche as deputy chair.

“These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives.

“A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy,” Luxon said.

The council will provide its first formal advice to the New Zealand prime minister and Minister Reti later this year.

John Roche, who grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, was appointed MPI’s chief science adviser in June 2018.

He leads MPI’s science forum, chairs the science governance group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis strategic science advisory group.

John is also a member of the prime minister’s chief science adviser’s forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences.

He was previously DairyNZ's principal scientist for animal science and has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia.

John has an Honours degree in agricultural science, a Masters in farm systems and pasture management, and a PhD in animal nutrition.