Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in New Zealand opened its doors in 1926. This founding followed momentum generated by Ernest Rutherford speaking at the Imperial Economic Conference in London during October and November 1923.
Ernest Marsden became the first director-general when DSIR opened its doors in 1926. The agency received initial financial backing from the Empire Marketing Board to begin operations immediately under his leadership.
Grasslands Division established its headquarters in Palmerston North shortly after formation. This location also hosted an agricultural college that grew into what is now known as Massey University.
Parliament passed the Crown Research Institutes Act during 1992 which dissolved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into ten semi-independent entities. Antarctica New Zealand emerged from the former Antarctic Division in 1996 following these changes.