Harry is one of New Zealand’s foremost authorities on agricultural greenhouse gases and their quantification and mitigation.
Harry is recognised internationally for his science leadership in this domain, and is highly respected amongst global science and agribusiness communities.
As Chief Scientist for the NZAGRC, Harry is responsible for the overall science direction of the organisation. He ensures that research and capability building projects are outcomes-focused and that NZAGRC-led programmes, overall, remain aligned to the climate change priorities of the New Zealand Government.
Harry was a member of the New Zealand Climate Change Commission from 2020-2022, providing independent, evidence-based advice to the Government to help New Zealand transition to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future. This appointment followed service on the Interim Climate Change Committee from 2017-2019, where he was heavily involved in the preparation and oversight of reports that established the priorities and frameworks for New Zealand’s climate change response.
Harry also co-chaired the Livestock Research Group of the Global Research Alliance for Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) from 2010-2022, providing strategic advice and leadership. In mid-2023 he moved to an ambassadorial role for the GRA by becoming its Special Representative. He sits on numerous other international and domestic science and advisory panels and has been heavily involved in the work of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including being a Lead Author of the agricultural chapters of its Fifth and Sixth Assessment Reports.
He was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2014, for services to environmental science and in 2019 he received the McMeekan Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to animal production in New Zealand.
