Stuart is the Deputy Director-General of Biosecurity New Zealand, a role he has held since 2021. He is responsible for providing system leadership for biosecurity in New Zealand, ensuring the biosecurity system protects New Zealand and underpins trade, primary production and biodiversity.

Stuart has been with MPI since 2010 and during his time has previously led the Ministry’s forestry regulatory and operational functions, fisheries management system, and the Mycoplasma bovis Programme (a world-first attempt to eradicate this cattle disease from any country).

Prior to joining MPI, Stuart worked at Scion (the New Zealand Forest Research Institute) and led the wildfire research programme.