Speakers

Dr John Roche is a globally recognised expert in agricultural science, appointed Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in May 2025 and Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council. Raised on a dairy farm in Castleisland, Ireland, he holds an Honours degree in Animal Science, a Master's in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition, with a career spanning Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand focused on sustainable farming and agricultural productivity. Since 2018 he has served as Chief Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries (now part-time), where he led the science forum, chaired the science governance group, and oversaw the Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group; he also holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Auckland. Previously, as Principal Scientist for Animal Science at DairyNZ, he advanced sustainability and resilience in the dairy sector, establishing himself as a trusted advisor in animal nutrition, farm systems, and pasture management.