Otago Museum Trust Board

A professor of Physics at the University of Otago, David has research expertise in theoretical quantum physics, and was the inaugural director (2015 – 2023) of the Dodd Walls Centre, a centre of research excellence leading photonic and quantum technologies in Aotearoa. David is a strong advocate for the importance of educational outreach in making a difference to learning outcomes, and has led successful engagement partnerships with schools, and with Tūhura Otago Museum to bring hands-on science to communities across Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands.

David joined the Museum board in 2008 as the Otago Institute representative, and in 2011 was nominated as the representative for the University of Otago. David became board chair in 2019.

Cherry has an Accounting degree from the University of Otago and has held senior management positions at the DCC and with NZ Trade and Enterprise in Dunedin. Having taken a 20-year break to focus on family and family businesses, Cherry is enjoying using her skillset to contribute to community organisations now that she has more time.

Cherry has been on the boards of iD Dunedin Fashion, the Mosgiel pool development, and, currently, the Otago Farmers Market Trust, all in a voluntary role. Cherry also served on the Otago Museum Trust Board from 1996 to 2001.

Andrew Simms is a current member of the Dunedin City Council. Growing up in Dunedin, Andrew has built one of New Zealand’s largest and most successful motor companies.

In addition to his business and council interests, Andrew spends his time coaching junior cricket at the Taieri Cricket Club and showing flowers competitively, particularly dahlias and roses, and looking after his two Border Collies, two kune kune pigs, seven Alpacas, seven sheep, ten chickens and two rabbits.

Andrew is passionate about building a better Dunedin for our children and our grandchildren.

A Distinguished Professor of Biological Anthropology at the University of Otago, Lisa’s main research area uses genomic data to further our knowledge of human settlement across the Pacific and how people adapted to their new environments. The breadth of Lisa’s research takes her from archaeological digs to museums and the lab to understand genomic variation to help us better understand the history and health of Pacific peoples in the past, present, and future.

Inspired by travelling with her family at a young age, Lisa has a passion for understanding what makes us different, and what unites us as humans.

Angela Davis is a Dunedin City Council appointee and brings extensive experience in strategy, community engagement, and public sector leadership.

She holds a BSc in Psychology and Sociology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Innovation from the London School of Economics, and a Certificate in Disruptive Strategy and Innovation from Harvard Business School Online.

As the founder of Collective Strategy, she works with organisations across Aotearoa to develop future focused, actionable strategies.

She is inspired by the Museum’s role in sparking curiosity and connection to the world around us, and is passionate about supporting its work to engage communities across Otago and beyond.

Nancy is Emerita Professor at the University of Otago and has had a career in plant science and science communication spanning four decades. Nancy’s work has involved teaching and researching the effectiveness of different ways of communicating complex ideas.

Nancy has been passionate about museums for as long as she can remember and, as part of her work, has facilitated the development of many multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural exhibitions in museums and public spaces around southern New Zealand and Western Australia.

Nancy is president of the Association of Friends of Tūhura.

Appointed director in 2013, Ian has led major upgrades at the Museum, including the installation of the only 3D planetarium in Australasia, a bicultural science centre, and a refresh of the Pacific Cultures gallery.

Ian has a doctorate in astronomy and attributes his passion for the night skies to a visit as a young child to the Science Museum in London. This sparked a strong belief that museums can change lives and has led to a career heading organisations across the world that communicate science.

Ian was awarded the Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication prize in 2015, and made a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2019.