SUPPLIED

An artist's impression of the entrance to Science Alive on Durham St when the law courts have been redeveloped.

The chairman of the Science Alive Trust is unfazed at revelations its new chief executive Dr Claire McGowan's private consulting firm was placed in liquidation late last year for debts of more than $172,338.

Science Alive is about to embark on a $50 million redevelopment of the law courts building in Durham St, Christchurch after its former premises were demolished following the 2011 earthquakes.

Chairman Dr Phil Butler said McGowan was employed for her "entrepreneurial get up and go".

MARK TAYLOR/FAIRFAX NZ

Former Soda chief executive Dr Claire McGowan has been appointed to lead the executive team at Science Alive.

"We have everything in place to make sure our finances are stable and that's not what we're looking for in our new chief executive," Butler said. 

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"I think the consensus in the business community is that these are normal things that happen."

After initial inquiries from The Press, Butler raised the concerns with Tony Mortensen chair of Science Alive's finance, audit and risk committee and the pair provided a written statement.

"We do not believe the employment of Claire has or will place the trust into any level of financial risk. 

"We believe Claire to be a strong manager and have employed her for her skills as a leader and innovator.  

"We have had in place for the best part of a year, a fully qualified and experienced chartered accountant as finance manager who is responsible for managing the internal controls and financial processes within the organisation. 

"This is overseen by the finance committee and reviewed by external auditors. All major financial decisions made by the management team within the trust require approval from the trust board."

Companies Office records show McGowan set up the consulting firm Commercialisation Advisors in 2003 before it crashed in September 2016.

The liquidators report said the company was placed in liquidation for failing to meet obligations to Inland Revenue, consisting of overdue GST and income tax plus associated penalties and interest.

Inland Revenue has a preferential claim of $28,314 with unsecured claims at $172,338.

McGowan comes to Science Alive after two and a half years as chief executive of Waikato-based business incubator, SODA Inc, owned by Waikato tertiary institution Wintec.

SODA receives funding from Callaghan Innovation, a taxpayer-funded government agency supporting startup technology companies.

McGowan has also been a director of AUT Enterprises, the commercialisation arm of AUT University in Auckland for startup companies.

She remains a director of IP Market Holdings which "specifically connects innovators with the tools and people they may need to grow great ideas successfully".

IP offers support for innovative ideas and links to experts and investors for a subscription fee.

Her address for these companies is listed as Devonport, Auckland.

 - Stuff