Ageing Well wishes to announce – with sadness and gratitude – that our current Director, Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie, will be stepping down in October.
Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie has been appointed to the role of Departmental Science Advisor at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). She takes up her new appointment effective 9 October, 2023, and will finish up her mahi as Director of Ageing Well in early October.
We are delighted that the leaders at MBIE have recognised her talents and the mana she holds in the Aotearoa science community. Whilst we are sad to see her go, we are thrilled that she has been appointed to a role where she can make a significant impact on the restructuring of the science and research sector.
The whānau of this organisation is what makes Ageing Well unique. The people behind the research are the driving force for positive change for older people in Aotearoa New Zealand."
“I have sincerely loved every moment with Ageing Well,” said Professor Parr-Brownie.
“Within it, I have learned and grown in a multitude of ways: from Deputy Director through to the senior leadership role within our Challenge, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead such as forward-thinking organisation ensuring that all New Zealanders age well.”
“The whānau of this organisation is what makes Ageing Well unique. The people behind the research are the driving force for positive change for older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am so thankful to have played a part and helped facilitate our commitment to doing science differently,” she added.
Ageing Well kaumātua Koro Hata Temo with Director Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie and Chair Dr Will Edwards
“Ageing Well has been fortunate to be led by such a strong, intelligent, and compassionate wahine Māori,” said Dr Edwards.
Chair of Ageing Well, Dr Will Edwards, was effusive in his praise for the impact that Professor Parr-Brownlie has had upon the organisation.
“Ageing Well has been fortunate to be led by such a strong, intelligent, and compassionate wahine Māori,” said Dr Edwards.
“It has been fantastic to see Professor Parr-Brownlie step into the kaihautu role of the Ageing Well waka and observe her growth and strong leadership. She has been instrumental in leading our organisation towards Tiriti partnership and in prioritising equity in everything she does,” he said.
“We wish her all the very best in this new phase of her career and look forward to seeing her continue to utilise her formidable intellect, skillset and passion, for the betterment of all,” Dr Edwards added.
Ageing Well Co-Director Professor David Baxter said, “This appointment represents a significant recognition for our Director, Louise, and – inter alia – of the work she has led at the Challenge.
“While we are sorry to lose her, she is taking on a significant role which will help shape the future of science in Aotearoa New Zealand,” he added.
“While we are sorry to lose her, she is taking on a significant role which will help shape the future of science in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Professor Baxter.
Professor Parr-Brownlie joined our organisation as Deputy Director in 2018. She stepped into the top job in 2020 and has made a significant impact within organisation. She has facilitated new strategic partnerships, such as with HRC and ACC, and helped usher in a new phase of development and way of doing business that was more focused on equity and Tiriti partnership.
Additionally, Professor Parr-Brownlie has grown in her mana as a leader. One of the external opportunities she had was as Chair of the Rauika Māngai, a collective of leaders from the eleven National Science Challenges and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Aotearoa New Zealand’s Centre of Māori Research Excellence. In this role, Professor Parr-Brownlie was influential in leading the Rauika response to MBIE’s Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways, the reform of Aotearoa’s research, science and innovation system.
Professor Richard Blaikie, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Enterprise at the University of Otago (Ageing Well’s host organisation), has enjoyed a strong working relationship with Professor Parr-Brownlie during her time leading Ageing Well.
“I have been fortunate to work with Professor Parr-Brownlie in our collaborative work with the Ageing Well National Science Challenge. It has been a pleasure to work with such an engaged and passionate leader who cares deeply about her work and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Dr Edwards added, “We wholeheartedly celebrate Louise’s success while knowing how much we will miss her wisdom, knowledge, energy, and guidance.”
Another announcement will be made shortly about the future leadership of Ageing Well.
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