AQNZ appoints Technical Manager
Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Gilbertson as Technical Manager, commencing 22 June 2026.
Caroline was selected following a robust recruitment process, with a strong field of candidates considered. Her credibility, capability, and strong sector relationships clearly set her apart and position her well to lead AQNZ’s technical function into its next phase.
Caroline brings a powerful combination of scientific expertise, industry experience, and proven delivery within AQNZ. Many in the sector will already know her from her previous role as AQNZ’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, where she led the A+ programme and contributed across a wide range of areas including biosecurity, policy, stakeholder engagement, and Board reporting.
Since leaving AQNZ, Caroline has further strengthened her experience with New Zealand Food Safety (MPI), working on seafood standards. In this role, she has operated at the intersection of science, regulation, and industry practice, contributing to legislative frameworks, technical guidance, and the commissioning and review of research. This experience brings valuable insight into regulatory systems and strengthens AQNZ’s ability to influence technical and policy outcomes.
Caroline holds a Master’s in Biological Sciences and brings more than 10 years’ experience across the aquaculture sector. Her expertise spans marine biology, aquatic animal health, environmental management, and sustainable aquaculture systems, with experience across both finfish and shellfish industries.
A key strength identified throughout the appointment process was Caroline’s ability to translate science and research into practical outcomes for industry. She brings a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and a clear commitment to ensuring AQNZ’s technical work delivers meaningful value to levy payers and the wider sector.
Caroline also has strong, established relationships across industry, iwi, government, and science providers, and is recognised for her collaborative style and ability to bring people together. She is an effective communicator, skilled at presenting complex technical information in a clear and accessible way to a wide range of audiences.
Looking ahead, Caroline brings a clear focus on strengthening industry engagement, improving collaboration across the science system, and ensuring AQNZ’s technical programme remains targeted, relevant, and impactful.
AQNZ looks forward to Caroline’s leadership in advancing the organisation’s technical priorities and supporting the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s aquaculture sector.
Please join us in welcoming Caroline Gilbertson to AQNZ.
