Nicolas Lyons

Nicolas has provided people leadership for DairyNZ’s science team since the start of 2023. His role primarily involves contributing to science direction, ensuring DairyNZ works in the right areas and partners with the right organisations, developing people’s skills and making best use of their talents, and ensuring DairyNZ communicates the value and impact of their science.

Nicolas has research expertise in technology (particularly robotic milking), farm systems, grazing, and cow behaviour. During his career he has built multidisciplinary teams and successfully developed and led large work programmes with others across the sector.

Nicolas is forward-thinking and a naturally positive person. He has the ability to look at the big picture, build connections with people, and bring them together to tackle challenges and develop viable solutions. “It ranges from setting up large programmes in association with external organisations to building productive working relationships with other business units internally,” says Nicolas.

“I don’t say it lightly that we are a world-class organisation. It is a privilege to be able to support them to grow and shine while making a difference for farmers and the sector.”

Originally from Argentina, Nicolas has always been interested in science, and after completing his Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Buenos Aires which included a period at the University of Sydney, he gained a PhD in Veterinary Science, also at the University of Sydney.