Dr Caroline Oliver has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year Honours list for services to cancer research and the community.

The Wānaka scientist is not only a clinical biotechnologist who has contributed to a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, she is also a dedicated volunteer who has devoted hours of her time within the Wānaka community, and before that in Auckland.

When she first saw her honour nomination letter in the mail, with a Crown insignia on the envelope, Caroline (who owns a distinctive Porsche roadster) thought it was a speeding ticket, she told the Wānaka App.

“I am honoured,” she said, “but I won’t be curtseying to anyone.”

Caroline explained that her Christian faith, an important part of her life, “says everyone is equal”. However, she was reassured by the fact the MNZM is a New Zealand honour, and her biotechnology colleague told her “of course you’re going to say yes”.

Caroline’s work for Kode Biotech, in collaboration with Auckland University of Technology, has led to the development of a personalised immunotherapy treatment for cancer. 

Read more: Profile - Caroline Oliver

Her work has been published in prestigious international journals. Kode Biotech Ltd won 2015 New Zealand Innovator of the Year for Cancer Immunotherapy. 

“I’m blown away with [the impact of it] really,” she said. “It’s going to change the world.”

Outside her research, Caroline’s contributions to the community have been diverse, ranging from volunteering with the Salvation Army Family Store and sewing for refugees, to active involvement with Aspiring Rotary and youth organisations such as Brownies, Guides, Keas, and Cubs.

She held several voluntary positions at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Auckland and was the elected People’s Warden between 2005 and 2018. She has been a team leader for Mainly Music in both Parnell and Wānaka, and a teacher aide teaching science at Hāwea Flat School.

“I wanted the children to see that anyone can be a scientist,” she said.

She was elected President of the Royal Society Te Apūrangi Wānaka branch between 2021 and 2023, and continues with organising its monthly events.

“I’ve got to be busy - what am I going to do if I’m not busy? I just take opportunities when they come up,” she said.

Caroline is enthusiastic about the benefits of volunteering. 

“People should see how good it is.”

She has lived in Wānaka for eight and a half years and says she loves the fact that people recognise each other in the street and “call out hello”.

The next step for Kode Biotech is for the technology to be marketed in New Zealand, and Caroline said she is looking forward to seeing its promise come to fruition.

PHOTO: Wānaka App