Rob has overseen the planning and direction of NIWA’s science, along with the management and operation of NIWA’s research vessels since 1999. This has included research, and its application associated with fisheries, coasts and oceans, climate and atmosphere, and natural hazards. He has extensive experience in science management and has worked closely with Government organisations responsible for science policy and strategy for over 20 years, including a 7-year secondment to MBIE as a Departmental Science Advisor. He has a research background in marine science, from the coast to the deep sea, and has worked with a range of sectors, including oil and gas, electricity, fisheries, aquaculture, and central and local government. Over the past 5 years he has been promoting to industry and government the need to build resilience to the growing impacts of climate extremes.