Scientific & Technological Advances

Aimee has spent twelve years working across the livestock sector value chain, combining practical farming with high-level science. Holding a 1st Class Honours degree in Animal Science and Animal Breeding and Genetics, she gained hands-on experience on numerous farms and spent three seasons in a meat processing plant, significantly improving her industry understanding.

Early in her career, Aimee established her own business providing genetics advisory services for market-driven, integrated production systems. Over the past decade, she has developed significant expertise in designing fit-for-purpose breeding objectives, managing large-scale multi-farm breeding programmes with electronic recording, developing commercial finishing systems, and utilising electronic progeny testing for carcass and meat quality measurements. Her experience with offshore retailers has also given her a strong understanding of global sheep-meat markets.

Aimee advocates breeding for functional soundness first, followed by estimated breeding values for genetic improvement. She believes future agricultural systems must integrate genetic, management, and environmental components to maximise product value. Passionate about using practical biology to provide commercial solutions, Aimee strives to improve efficiencies across the value chain and elevate the profile of New Zealand's agricultural products.

A strategic science leader with expertise in biotechnology, and translational R&D. At Mara Bio, Maya leads the innovation strategy and technology roadmap, aligning scientific direction with commercial priorities and long-term growth objectives.

With around 20 years experience in the biotech sector, she has led multidisciplinary research programs across academia and industry in New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East, translating microbial science into scalable, market-ready solutions across food, health, energy, and environmental sectors.

Her focus spans innovation management, science commercialization, cross-functional leadership, and building high-performing R&D teams that deliver sustainable impact and competitive advantage.

Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.

Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.

Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.

Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.

New speakers coming soon