Minister gets new title

Dr Wayne Mapp will now be titled Minister of Science and Innovation. Photo / Supplied

Government Minister Wayne Mapp has a new title.

Formerly known as the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Dr Mapp is now the Minister of Science and Innovation.

The move comes after the merger of the two departments into the Ministry of Science and Innovation, which will oversee the Crown Research Institutes.

Prime Minister John Key says Dr Mapp has put a lot of energy into the portfolio over the last two years and it is fitting he oversees the merge.

Dr Mapp is not standing for Parliament again at this year';s election.

- NEWSTALK ZB