Maxine Simmons, of Warkworth, CNZM, for services to science, particularly biotechnology
Ms Simmons co-founded and was CEO of Immuno-Chemical Products Ltd, one of New Zealand’s first biotechnology companies. She was interim Chief Executive for reagent manufacturer Symansis NZ and biotechnology company Photonz Corporation. She founded BioCatalyst Ltd, a consultancy for start-up biotechnology and life science companies, where she continues as Managing Director. She was Chair of Im-Able Ltd, manufacturers of the ableX stroke recovery system, and Chief Executive of Cure Kids Ventures. She has been a member of the Foundation for Research Science and Technology Board, the Industrial Research Ltd Board, the governing board of the Maurice Wilkins Centre for BioDiscovery, and the advisory board of the MedTech CoRE. Ms Simmons was an inaugural member of the Industry New Zealand Board and represented New Zealand on the APEC Business Advisory Council.