November 2025: Georgina Wheller, a research officer in Dr Tom Mules' Lab at the Malaghan Institute, is contributing to vital research tackling one of the world's most urgent health challenges: antimicrobial resistance.

"Antimicrobial resistance isn't just a distant problem - it's here in Aotearoa," says Georgina.

Her research focuses on Helicobacter pylori, a stomach cancer causing bacteria that is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. H. pylori is a master shapeshifter. In its ideal environment - the stomach - it's a spiral-shaped bacterium. But when exposed to stressors such as antibiotics, it can morph into other forms, a survival tactic that helps it evade antibiotics.

This allows H. pylori to hide in the stomach, quietly causing inflammation and increasing the risk of mutations. This slow, invisible attack can eventually lead to stomach cancer. The growing resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics poses a significant challenge to both treatment and prevention.

"Around the world, antibiotic resistance rates are climbing and so are stomach cancer rates," explains Georgina.

Georgina Wheller. Photo: Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.

November 2025: HERA is entering an exciting new chapter as it begins the search for its next Chief Executive, following the departure of Dr Troy Coyle. Under Dr Coyle's leadership, HERA has undergone a period of transformational growth, strengthened its culture, and expanded its strategic focus. Widely regarded for her vision, energy and commitment to industry impact, she leaves the organisation in an exceptional position for her successor.

HERA now stands on a strong financial foundation with diversified income streams, an expanding portfolio in AI, Construction 4.0, automation, robotics, seismic and structural fire engineering, and a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. Its international collaborations, growing team of experts, and the upcoming Industry x.0 Innovation Centre further reinforce its future-ready direction.

The incoming Chief Executive will lead a high-performing organisation with a clear strategic mandate, strong stakeholder support, and significant opportunities to influence the future of New Zealand's heavy engineering sector. HERA encourages applications from leaders ready to guide an organisation already accelerating into its next era.

Outgoing CEO, Dr Troy Coyle, is leaving HERA in an exceptional position. HERA has experienced growth, while forging a clear, future-focused path for the heavy engineering research industry. Photo: HERA.