Linda Faulkner

Linda is of Ngāti Rangi and Whanganui descent and brings a policy, research, governance, relationship and environmental management background to the role of Natural Sciences Commissioner.

Linda is currently Pou Whakarae Te Hiringa Taiao – Chief Scientist Māori Environmental Research at Earth Sciences New Zealand. This is a science strategy and leadership role supporting research excellence that contributes to the aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders. Linda has long been an advocate for creating space and maximising the distinctive and innovative opportunities and benefits possible through empowering mātauranga Māori and other forms of indigenous knowledge to work alongside contemporary science. This passion has seen her recent appointment for a second term on the international advisory board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. She is also a member of the Māori Heritage Council for Heritage New Zealand, and a board member for Citizens of the Sea.

Previous roles included Manahautū / Deputy Director for the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge as well as the Director of Tūtaiao Ltd., a private consultancy focusing on people, policy and planning. She was also a member of the Governance Group of the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, and held a range of senior executive roles in the national environmental management sector. Linda has worked for her own and other iwi continues to chair and serve on several national research investment, review and advisory panels.