A new public research organisation focused on advanced technology, will be set up – while Crown-owned Callaghan Innovation is to be disestablished.
A new public research organisation focused on advanced technology, will be set up – while Crown-owned Callaghan Innovation is to be disestablished.
The Government has announced long-awaited details of a major shake-up for the science sector, with seven Crown Research Institutes to be grouped into three “public research organisations”.
Another research organisation is to be set up and focused on advanced technology, while Callaghan Innovation is to be disestablished.
A further entity called Invest NZ – focused on attracting foreign investment – is also to be established.
The Government says it’s overhauled New Zealand’s tight-knit science system to drive “maximum value” for the economy and Kiwis – but some sector critics question where the public benefits lie.
After months of delay and speculation, the Government finally unveiled its grand plans to shake up the sector – marking its biggest reset in more than 30 years.
The revamp, announced as part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s economy-focused State of the Nation address, effectively groups the country’s seven Crown research institutes (CRIs) into three new “public research organisations” (PROs).
AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and Plant and Food Research will be focused on a “bioeconomy” PRO; Niwa and GNS Science on an earth sciences-focused PRO; and ESR on one targeted at health and forensic science.
A fourth would also be created to drive research on advanced tech like artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic biology.
The plans also create several new bodies: an agency, named Invest NZ, will be set up to draw foreign investment for industries and tech, while a prime minister’s council would advise on science and innovation.
Luxon confirmed he had also be appointed another chief science advisor – a role that’s sat unfilled for more than six months.
But Crown-owned Callaghan Innovation, which employs several hundred scientists and staff, would be shut down and its key functions moved to other entities.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins, who is departing the portfolio, said Lower Hutt-based Callaghan had been spread too thinly across too many areas, leading to poor financial performance and an “over-reliance” on Crown funding.
In all, Collins said the reset would boost the country’s long-term economic performance and ensure scientists could pursue “meaningful careers” here.
Luxon said the Government’s focus was about “unleashing economic growth”.
“That is the thing that’s going to make this country wealthier and affect our living standards the most – and our message is really clear.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivers his State of the Nation speech. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
The moves follow a months-long review by a panel chaired by former chief scientist Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, who said he was encouraged the Government had generally followed its recommendations.
“Global evidence shows science and technology are core to enhancing productivity in developed economies, including in small, advanced countries like New Zealand.”
New Zealand Association of Scientists co-president Dr Lucy Stewart, however, met the announcements with scepticism, arguing they would do little to address concerns researchers and scientists raised last year.
Stewart questioned where in the new structure environmental and social science research would fit – and what support or interest there would be for “public good” research more focused on societal benefits than making profits.
“The message to scientists from this government is clear: they are expected to be a source of revenue rather than working for the public good, and anything they do that isn’t directly linked to economic gain is of little interest.”
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said Luxon was offering “nothing but reheated austerity”.
“Luxon’s State of the Nation wasn’t a vision for the future. It was a reheat of the rhetoric that’s failed us for more than 40 years,” she said in a statement.
“Luxon’s stated plan is to magically ‘grow’ out of our problems, while he slashes investment in the very infrastructure and research necessary for any kind of growth.”
Sector commentator Professor Nicola Gaston, and director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, said the announcement was “long overdue and not unwelcome”.
“My biggest concern about the planned reforms is far less the intent than the implementation.”
Jamie Morton is a specialist in science and environmental reporting. He joined the Herald in 2011 and writes about everything from conservation and climate change to natural hazards and new technology.
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