Changes at forest research joint venture

The head of trans-Tasman forest research venture, Ensis, has resigned as the organisation is restructured.

The owners -Australian science body CSIRO and Scion, the former Forest Research Institute - want to streamline Ensis' management, support services and governance, as the business heads into a new development phase.

The changes include expanding the role of Scion's chief executive, Tom Richardson, to include Ensis as well.

Current Ensis ceo Larry Little finished his contract on Monday.

Scion chairman Russ Ballard said Mr Little had played a key role in the development of Ensis since his appointment in August last year.

"Larry ... has overseen its expansion and the development of science synergies between both countries, along with the development of the Ensis strategic plan."

Ensis accounts for one-third of the former Forest Research's activities in both employee numbers and revenue.

- NZPA