Meet The Team
Scott Paterson B.M.S., M.B.A.
Founder And Director.
Scott is the founder of Plantonin, he has an extensive background in business and a strong interest in health. After completing an undergraduate degree in science and business studies Scott completed a master’s degree with a thesis in health deliverables. His interest in health led him to establish a successful health business. Throughout his involvement in business he has maintained three core values: honesty, transparency and trust that has ensured continuity in business dealings with other parties. Scott has experience in the global health industry and in business.
Gareth J Parry, ONZM, MB, ChB, FRACP
Advisory Panel
Gareth is the Principal Investigator for Plantonin’s Study Protocol. He has extensive experience in clinical trials (phase 2, 3 and 4) in a number of disease states and has been a Neurologist specialising in peripheral neuropathy for over 40 years. Gareth has worked extensively in the USA and currently resides in Nelson, NZ, where he teaches neurology at Wellington Hospital and continues his research at NMIT. In 2009 Gareth received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to neurology. He is the author of two books and has contributed to numerous scientific papers and medical journals.
Laurence Eyres B.Sc., PhD., MBA, FNZIFSTAdvisory Panel
Laurence has over 35 years experience in the New Zealand Food Industry and a PhD in industrial chemistry and an MBA in business management. Since starting his career in clinical chemistry he has become a leader in the field of science and technology of natural products, especially lipids which include food oils, nutraceuticals and specialty antioxidants. Past directorships include NZ Dairy Foods, Food and Nutrition at Auckland University, FSANZ and Associate Professor of Food Technology at Massey University. Laurence is the current chairman of the NZIC oils and fats specialist group. He is a fellow of the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology. He has also published papers on fats, antioxidants, squalene, flaxseed lignans and has experience with extraction and purification of bio actives.
Dr Willem Van Der Merwe MbChB (UOFS 1994) FRNZCUC Advisory Panel
Willem is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon and Emergency Doctor, working within the Emergency Department of Auckland Hospital. He specialises in sports medicine, arthroscopic knee surgery, reconstruction and meniscal repair using minimal invasive options and computer assisted surgery for knee replacements. Willem’s current research areas are ACL reconstructions, muscle training for the prevention of osteoarthritis and patellar femoral pain as well as 3D reconstruction for ACL and rotational instability. Providing effective solutions for pain management and resolution is the foremost focus for the research and work that Willem provides to his patients
Jason Slizgi B.Sc., PhD.Advisory Panel