Dr John Roche

Ministry for Primary Industries Chief Science Advisor and Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister

John was appointed Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective to MPI. He leads our Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser’s forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences.

​

John was previously DairyNZ's Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd.

​

Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.