Our people

Research manager Dr Mark Oliver has a Masters in ruminant physiology, a biomedical PhD in maternal nutrition and the endocrine regulation of fetal growth in sheep, and over 20 years’ experience in sheep laboratory management and administration. His research has focused on the impact of the maternal environment on pregnancy and outcomes for offspring. Mark helped establish the Ngapouri Research Farm in 2004 and continues to oversee its operation.

Mark served on the University of Auckland Animal Ethics Committee for six years. In 2009 he was awarded the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee 3Rs award for animal welfare improvements for sheep-based biomedical research at Ngapouri Research Farm. The three Rs refer to replacement, reduction and refinement – replace animals with non-sentient or non-living alternatives; reduce the number of animals used to the minimum necessary to achieve meaningful results; refine experimental techniques to minimise pain and distress and improve positive welfare.

Facility and livestock manager Gregg Pardoe has outstanding farming and animal husbandry skills and won a prestigious Nuffield Scholarship, awarded to future farming leaders. Gregg also serves on the Liggins Māori advisory group.

Pediatrician-scientist Dr Anne Jaquiery has ongoing research interests in neonatal and paediatric nutrition, including the long-term consequences of altered nutrition in early life. She has been instrumental in establishing the farm’s research programme.

Researcher Robyn Hirst is a PhD candidate with a strong background in farm animal nutrition.

Technician Eric Ai is a graduate of Nanjing Agricultural University and worked in commercial pharmaceutical research before moving to New Zealand.