23 February 2022

The Scion Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Brendon Green (Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi) as a director and Dr Melinda Webber (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) in a 12-month future director role.

“I am very pleased to welcome Brendon Green and Melinda Webber to these roles,” says Board chair, Dr Helen Anderson.

“Brendon’s extensive experience across various sectors, and his interest in natural resources and commitment to kaupapa Māori, is a natural fit for Scion.

“The newly-developed role of future director is an exciting one that enables us to foster talent in the governance space and we look forward to the insights Dr Webber will provide.”

Brendon Green is the founder of Kaitiaki Advisory Limited and holds board positions with Watercare, Tainui Kawhia Incorporation, Workforce Development Council Waihanga Ara Rau (Construction and Infrastructure) and Hiringa Energy Limited. He has served as chair for Tainui Kawhia Incorporation and Tirohia Landfill Generation Joint Venture. He is co-chair of the Waikato Regional Skills Leadership Group, is a member of Taumata Aronui that advises the government around education for Māori, holds the position of Maangai Māori on Waikato District Council’s Infrastructure Committee and is a tribal member of Waikato Tainui’s Te Whakakitenga o Waikato.

Brendon brings extensive experience from New Zealand and offshore primarily in resource development for power stations (gas, geothermal, landfill, solar and wind), forestry, minerals, oil and gas exploration, water and dairy sectors.

He has held technical and commercial roles with the NZ Dairy Board, Contact Energy, General Electric (Mexico and the US) and Mercury in developing its renewable energy portfolio under Mighty River Power. Brendon holds a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dairy Science and Technology.

“It’s a real privilege to join the Board of Scion,” Brendon says. “I grew up in Tokoroa when it was a forestry town, spent a summer on a pruning gang in Taumarunui then worked at the Kinleith mill to pay my way through university - it feels like coming full circle.”

In the future director role, Dr Webber will participate in Board meetings as an observer. The role is not an official Cabinet appointment.

Dr Webber is Te Tumu, Deputy Dean and Professor of Māori Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland.

She was nominated for this role by the trustees of Ngā Hapū e Toru - Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu.

“We support Melinda as a member of Ngāti Whakaue with a strong research and governance background,” said trustees Hoki Kahukiwa and Veronica Butterworth.

“She is focussed on Te Ao Māori and education development for rangatahi. In her new role, Melinda will be an important part of building the relationship between the hapū and Scion.”

“I am pleased to take up this role at the request of my iwi,” Dr Webber says. “I will enjoy working alongside Ngā Hapū e Toru o Ngati Whakaue to give effect to the partnership with Scion. I also look forward extending my existing governance experience and expertise by bringing a mātauranga Māori and rangahau Māori perspective to this role.”

Brendon Green

Dr Melinda Webber