11. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology
What recent announcements has he made about changes aimed at ensuring New Zealand gets the best from its Crown research institutes?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Research, Science and Technology) Link to this
Yesterday the Prime Minister and I announced the Government’s response to the Crown Research Institute Taskforce. In short, the Government will be implementing all the major recommendations of the taskforce. In particular, it will give the institutes a longer and more strategic focus, which will be of great value to New Zealand business and to New Zealand science.
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
Yes. Feedback has been very positive. Business New Zealand noticed that businesses would be particularly pleased with the opportunity to collaborate. I would also note that the Labour Party said yesterday: “Giving the Crown research institutes a clear directive to strive for breakthroughs to benefit New Zealand will be a key part of our economic transformation.”, and, of course, that is exactly what these reforms will do.
David ShearerEven given the changes to the Crown research institutes, does he accept that achieving a step change in the economy requires substantial new investment in research, science, and technology in the 2010 Budget, and what assurances can he give the scientific community of that new funding?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
There have been a number of initiatives. For instance, last year there were significant increases in funding for the Health Research Council, the Marsden Fund, and the Crown Research Institute Capability Fund. Of course, we appointed the Chief Science Adviser to the Prime Minister, and we established core priorities, and there is more to come.