Meet The Team
100+ years of real scientific knowledge and 50+ years of real business experience.
Co-Founders
Daniel King M.Sc. Hons. Founder and Director.
In 2006 Daniel founded one of New Zealand’s most recognised natural health companies. During his time as CEO and owner, he successfully carried out two human clinical trials at Auckland University. In addition to this Daniel’s leadership resulted in both the business and products becoming ‘household names’ in the NZ market. Daniel is recognised as a leader in the NZ health supplement industry and has an established background in science and business. After completing a master’s degree in science at Auckland University in the mid 1990’s Daniel pursued a career in environmental science in NZ. Daniel has an excellent understanding of the complex regulatory framework in the health sector and a strong interest in researching new treatment options for the purposes of providing long term health benefits to those in need.
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.
Advisory Panel
Gareth J Parry, ONZM, MB, ChB, FRACP
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, FNZIFST
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
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.
Jason is a member of Plantonin’s Advisory Panel and Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Jason is a Pharmaceutical Scientist with experience in the medical device industry. His current focus is on clinical strategy and experimental design. Jason’s extensive research experience includes molecular and pharmacological sciences and he holds a B.Sc. in pharmacology from the University of California Santa Barbara and a PHD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the author of a number of publications.