He maimai aroha: Dr Dianne McCarthy CNZM CRSNZ

Di McCarthy had a long association with the Royal Society Te Apārangi, serving on our Council from 2000 to 2007, and then leading the organisation as Chief Executive from 2007 to 2014. As a young researcher, she was selected by our Academy of Fellows to receive the Hamilton Award, an honour for an early career researcher for excellence in science. Di was elected as a Companion of the Society Ngā Takahoa a Te Apārangi for her services to science in 2015.

Di’s legacy to the Society includes the redevelopment of our campus in Thorndon, completed in 2012, which not only renovated the existing building but added our Aronui Lecture Theatre and additional meeting spaces. She also strengthened the Society’s links with overseas Academies, and championed establishment of the Society’s forum for early career researchers.

Di had broad-ranging academic interests, beginning in mathematics and music and progressing to a Master of Science and a PhD in experimental psychology. She went on to become a Professor at her alma mater, the University of Auckland, where she also served in many leadership roles, including heading the Department of Psychology and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and eventually becoming Pro Vice-Chancellor. Later she was Pro-Chancellor at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

In her academic work, Di published papers on behavioural neuroscience, and mentored many students who went on to distinguished careers. She particularly supported young women, both in academic careers and beyond, and while Chief Executive of the Society, Di helped to establish New Zealand’s Women in Leadership programme with Te Pōkai Tara Universities New Zealand. She was also a supporter of the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science. 

Her career included more than 25 years in leadership and governance roles in the science, health, and tertiary education sectors, where she generated significant positive change. In 2008, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, and in 2016, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science, business, and women. She won the Wellington Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2010.

Di provided governance to many Boards, including for the Cawthron Institute, Powerhouse Ventures Ltd, the NZ Institute of Economic Research, the Hearing Research Foundation, the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, Bragato Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Grow Wellington and Business Trust Marlborough. She was honoured as a Distinguished Trustee at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in recognition of her many years of advocacy and support. She was closely involved with the National Science Challenges, particularly Healthier Lives and Ageing Well, and with the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland as was on the Antarctic Strategy Advisory Committee. 

Di lived in Blenheim with her husband, Frank Metcalfe, who also passed away recently. The Society acknowledges and pays tribute to Di McCarthy’s contributions to science, research, and education in Aotearoa New Zealand. We extend our sympathies to the McCarthy whānau and to Di’s many friends and colleagues.

Haere rā Di. Kia au tō moe.

Memorial service

At Dianne’s request cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Monday 28 April at 1.00pm.

This service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

In lieu of flowers, and recognising Di’s love of animals, a donation may be made in her name at the service to Marlborough Four Paws or via their website.

Tributes

"Di McCarthy was a wonderful mentor, supporter and confidant. I first came to know Di as an early career academic at the University of Auckland where she was an inspiring senior woman role model for many. I also have very fond memories of her warm hospitality at the University of Cambridge when I was awarded Honorary Fellowship of Te Apārangi Royal Society on a glorious English summer afternoon. On my return to Aotearoa New Zealand, Di reconnected quickly and was generous with her guidance and advice, particularly during my term as President of Royal Society Te Apārangi and in her governance role on the Council of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Her knowledge of the New Zealand research sector was second to none, and she had an unfailing ability to steer me in the right direction particularly during challenging times. My enduring memory of Di will be our long conversations in Blenheim, often with a glass of wine in hand, during which she would offer wise counsel and always be thinking about how best to support others. She will be greatly missed."

Professor Wendy Larner FRSNZ, former President of Royal Society Te Apārangi, current President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University.

"I wish I had met Di earlier in my academic career. When I was a mid-career scientist she accompanied me to Paris to attend the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science in her role as Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity. She supported me through all the media interviews and scientific presentations. We spoke at length about the struggles for female ECRs and her empathy was empowering. She became a lifelong professional colleague and friend. When she took up her role as CEO of the Royal Society New Zealand her enthusiasm for supporting Women in Science was inspiring. She established the Women in Leadership programme with Te Pōkai Tara Universities New Zealand and was instrumental in establishing and supporting the first L'Oréal-UNESCO NZ early career award for Women in Science. Her enthusiasm and support for science and scientists was limitless. I will always remember her infectious smile and her ability to navigate difficult problems in a constructive supportive manner. New Zealand needs more women like Di in senior scientific roles and Di has set a very high standard for other women to follow."

Distinguished Professor Dame Margaret Brimble FRS FRSNZ, University of Auckland

"Di McCarthy was an outstanding leader of science institutions and people. She was a distinguished researcher in her own right, and inspired many others to achieve their aspirations in research. She was particularly effective in supporting and mentoring emerging women in science. The highlight of her career was undoubtedly the period she spent as CEO of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Te Apārangi. She led both the redevelopment of the Thorndon site and the legislative changes needed to include humanities scholars in the Academy and Society. Science and research achieved an unprecedented profile due to her outreach efforts and the wonderful Science Honours dinner celebrations held each year. Di strengthened our linkages to other global academies. After stepping down from her CEO role at RSNZ, she continued to contribute through a wide range of governance roles. Her contributions to these Boards were always measured, ethical and wise. It was a privilege for me personally to have worked closely with Di both on the Council and Academy of the RSNZ, and the Governance Board of the Dodd Walls CoRE."

Dr Garth Carnaby CNZM FRSNZ, RSNZ President 2009-2011, Dodd-Walls Centre Chair 2014-2022

“Vale Di. It has been inspiring to have worked alongside you for nearly 20 years in various roles we had respectively held with the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Your insights, boundless enthusiasm, and limitless energy have been uplifting for me and I have witnessed how you had continually motivated all of those around you. The magnificent RSNZ whare in Pipitea is testament to your leadership and vision."

Dr Brent Clothier FRSNZ, Royal Society Te Apārangi President 2021-2024.

"Dianne (Di) McCarthy CRSNZ ONZM was a source of inspiration to many within the research sector. A visionary leader, she made an enduring and wide-reaching contribution across Aotearoa. Among her many achievements, Di was a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in academia, actively encouraging them to pursue roles they may have once considered beyond their reach.

In 2008, she co-founded the Te Manahua New Zealand Universities Women in Leadership Programme (NZUWIL), which has played a pivotal role in increasing the representation of women in senior academic and administrative leadership roles across the university sector. The impact of this programme has been far-reaching, with many participants progressing into prominent leadership roles.

Di exemplified resilience and was a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with her, bringing unwavering energy and positivity to every aspect of her work and life. Her loss will be deeply felt."

Professor Gill Dobbie FRSNZ, Chair of the Marsden Fund Council

"I have had the privilege, and the fun, of working with Di over more than 20 years. I will not list her achievements, which were many, but I do want to reflect on her as a person and colleague. We meet as we each began our respective roles at around the same time, and shared similar experiences. We did our first media training together, with much eye rolling and laughing at our own incompetence - well, my incompetence as Di was brilliant at it -  and we went on international science delegations together, to a range of countries. Di was astute, great with people, intelligent and more importantly, wise. And, at the end of day, always ready to relax and laugh. She was a much needed mentor, although she would have denied that was what she was doing. The science space is not always easy to work in, but Di was an inspirational leader, and a friend to many."

Dr Robin Olds, Research and Strategy Consulting

“I came to know and respect Di during her tenure as Chief Executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand, with the redevelopment of the Thorndon campus for the Society being an enduring legacy to her drive and motivation. She never rested in her desire to effect positive change in people and places around her, and this wonderful characteristic went well beyond this project. I was very fortunate to be able to engage with Di regularly after her retirement as RSNZ CEO, mostly through her service on the Boards of a number of important national research consortia hosted by Otago University – the Ageing Well and Healthier Lives National Science Challenges and the Dodd-Walls Centre of research excellence in particular. Travel from her home in Blenheim to Dunedin or the other venues chosen for Board meetings was often a multi-day affair, but Di was always enthusiastic about coming to meetings in person wherever possible and we always gained huge benefit from her presence. She cared deeply about the people these projects supported and always took time to give personal advice or guidance if needed. She will be deeply missed.”

Professor Richard Blaikie FRSNZ, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, University of Otago | Ōkākou Whakaihu Waka

"Di McCarthy made massive contributions to science in New Zealand, through her roles as researcher, mentor, administrator, and board member. She was a highly successful Chief Executive of the RSNZ. I found her very supportive during my years as President. My overriding memory is of her energy: she was a dynamo, and working with her was never dull! Di was particularly effective at representing the Society externally, both in New Zealand and with overseas academies. She seemed to know everyone; she loved meeting people; and her enthusiasm was infectious. Di also supported the incorporation of the humanities into the work of the Society. I admired her courage in dealing with health problems in recent years, and she will be greatly missed."

Sir David Skegg FRSNZ, President 2012-2015

"Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne – a tōtara tree has fallen in Tāne's great forest.

Quite simply, the world was a better place with Di in it. She was one of the world’s truly lovely people.

Di was a much loved and respected member of the Ageing Well whānau. Di served as the Chair of Ageing Well National Science Challenge’s Governance Group from 2016-2020 and was instrumental in setting Ageing Well’s strategic direction during that period, including creating an organisation that worked in Tiriti partnership. Di supported scientists to step into senior leadership roles, and ensured there was equitable funding to Māori-led projects. This was unheard of around 2018.

Di was passionate, inspirational, generous, and worked tirelessly to improve the science sector. She has had a lasting legacy on the research sector in New Zealand. Ngā mihi nunui ki a Di. Ageing Well acknowledges you, Di.

Moe mai rā. Di, go peacefully to be with your whānau and friends that have gone before you."

Professor Emeritus David Baxter and Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie
Directors of the Ageing Well National Science Challenge 2015-2024

"Di was a force of nature. It was always a delight to spend time with her and I don’t recall a time in her company when she wasn’t brimming over with enthusiasm, positivity, and energy.  Di was there to help, encourage, empower, and make things happen – and always with a smile and infectious laughter. She was a great leader, a wonderful role model, and always went the extra mile to lend a guiding hand, especially as a brave champion for women in science when our numbers were few. Di never bored you with her own significant accomplishments but simply got on with the job before her.  She led the Royal Society into its new home, raised its profile, and made women feel welcome. We will miss you Di; vale."

Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard, Chair of the Marsden Fund Council 2012-2018

"Dianne McCarthy was a very dear friend and while her passing causes us all great sorrow it also allows us to reflect on her stellar academic career and her massive contribution to the scientific community and her public service over many years. She leaves an outstanding legacy. Di was a dedicated, efficient, open leader and communicator who engaged with those around her to achieve remarkable results. She gave outstanding service to the Royal Society and her wisdom was always sought and respected.

Di was a dear and generous friend, always concerned for my health and welfare when her own was equally under duress. Her care and understanding through Frank’s health issues was simply inspirational and it has been very difficult to watch Di’s health fail. Her endurance has been astonishing and a reflection of a life so well spent in a significant number of fields. Her love of art, her garden, exploring, walking the hills around Blenheim, taking an interest in the vineyards and their products were the pleasures that saw her through many challenges over recent years.

Rest in peace my very dear Friend."

Hon Margaret Austin CNZM CRSNZ

"We had the pleasure of knowing Di through her involvement with Healthier Lives National Science Challenge as a founding member of its governance group. We were already aware of her formidable reputation but quickly came to know her as a friend whose warmth, energy and sense of fun was infectious. Her wisdom helped to set the direction of our science challenge and navigate many of the issues confronting it. Di was the ultimate ‘people person’ and we will miss her."

Professor Sir Jim Mann FRSNZ, former Director of the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge 2015-2024 and Jean Cockram, former Manager, Healthier Lives National Science Challenge.

"Di was an inspirational person, full of laughter and fun, with a strong desire to make a positive difference to this world and to those around her. Di was also a woman of courage and determination.

She was quietly courageous when facing times of personal adversity, including her own health challenges and those of her husband, Frank. In her role as Pro-Chancellor, I well remember standing alongside Di in the University’s Council Chamber - for what seemed a very long day - shaking hands and posing for photographs with graduates who had been unable to attend their graduation ceremony because of the Covid epidemic. Di greeted each graduate with such enthusiasm and warmth that she wiped away their disappointment and delighted their families. She was so determined to make this a special day for each and every graduate that only later did we learn she was having great difficulty standing because of a very painful back condition.

Di was also courageous in a moral and ethical sense. There have been times in her long career that she has had to navigate very difficult issues and stand up to poor behaviour. The resultant toughness and moral conviction prepared her well for her later leadership and governance roles. As a vice-chancellor, I was able to watch in admiration as she candidly drew critical attention to behaviour in Council meetings that fell short of her high standards. I also came to learn that with Di on my Council there was at least one person who could be relied upon to have a deep understanding of the delights, idiosyncrasies, and challenges inherent in university leadership. 

We will miss you Di."

Professor Grant Guilford, former Vice-Chancellor, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington

"Di McCarthy was extraordinary.  She made a forceful, enduring contribution to almost every corner of the New Zealand science system. With each contribution, she stamped her style. That style was typified by positivity, loyalty, courage and an unerring sense of what was right.  If her intellect wouldn’t drive a problem forward, her boundless enthusiasm would, usually with an extra kick from her sense of humour.  Di was deeply respected and respectful. I feel privileged that our paths crossed for a time. Rest now Di, rest."

Professor Parry Guilford FRSNZ, University of Otago, | Ōkākou Whakaihu Waka