9. Dr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology
What reports has he received on the level of investment in research and development in New Zealand?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Research, Science and Technology) Link to this
I have some excellent news. On Monday, Statistics New Zealand released new figures showing that there has been a 7 percent increase in research staff since 2004. Total research and development is up 10 percent—[ Interruption]—the member might listen to this; this is very, very good news—to $1.8 billion. Of particular note is that there was a 22 percent increase in health research between 2004 and 2006. This Government is committed to increasing New Zealand’s investment in research and development. That is why we announced in this year’s Budget a $73.7 million Government funding increase and a 15 percent tax credit for private sector research and development spending—outstandingly good policies.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary Link to this
What reports has the Minister received on New Zealand’s level of investment in climate change research?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
In August the Government announced an additional $6.7 million investment in climate change research. This extra funding is focused on helping us maintain the effects of climate change in our primary industries, our towns, our cities, and our transport, energy, and communication infrastructure. In the latest $44 million Marsden Fund round, a range of climate change initiatives were funded. These include research into the historic collapse of the Ross Iceshelf in warmer temperatures, and the growth of the Antarctic ice sheet over New Zealand and Antarctica 60 million years ago. These kinds of projects give us the kinds of insights we need into the future of climate change.
R Doug Woolerton