Helen Anderson


Helen Joan Anderson is a New Zealand professional director, scientist and, previously, public servant. She currently serves as a director on a number of organisations' boards.

Early life and family

Anderson was born in Dunedin on 11 September 1955, the daughter of Patricia and Atherton Anderson.
Anderson was educated at Columba College, and then studied at the University of Auckland, graduating with a BSc. She later undertook doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, gaining a PhD in 1985.

Professional career

Anderson is currently, or has previously been, Chair of the Board of , and Fulbright NZ, a director at Antarctica New Zealand, , Dairy NZ and ClearPoint Ltd. Other roles held are on the councils of Massey University and the .
Anderson is a seismologist with expertise in the mechanics of large earthquakes.
From 1997 to 2003 she was the Chief Science Advisor at the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. She was then the Chief Executive of the Ministry from 2003 to April 2010.

Honours

In 1993, Anderson was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal. She was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. Anderson is a Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand.