Tribute to Dr Edward Hearnshaw

For two years from July 2018 to June 2020, Dr Ed Hearnshaw was a much-loved friend and colleague. His untimely death was a huge loss for all staff – both personally and professionally.

Ed’s most recent project was leading research into the economic and environmental wisdom of the offshore oil and gas exploration ban which resulted in Restricting the production of fossil fuels in Aotearoa New Zealand.

At an event held to celebrate Ed’s life and contribution on Sunday 14 June 2020, the Commissioner offered this personal reflection:

"Ed was one of the most considered, measured and thoughtful colleagues I have ever worked with. And kind. As a mentor to younger staff he was second to none. There was never anything precipitate or reactive about his judgments. That’s why I so enjoyed him – I could always be sure of an answer that was not only honest but maturely reflected upon. And he was always open to reconsider even the most maturely reflected conclusion if he was presented with a thoughtful alternative view."

The full text of the Commissioner’s tribute can be found here.