Science System Re-Organisation and Pre-Budget Commentary

Advanced Technology Platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technology

On 5 May Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the first step in creating the new Public Research organisation (PRO) for Advanced Technologies. The Government is investing $71 million over seven years into a new science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute, based out of Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Reti said the platform aims to grow New Zealand’s hi-tech exports based on cryogenics, superconductors, magnets and processed materials.

Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre, Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck told Newsroom she was worried about how the reforms would roll-out here.

The Centre awaits further information about the new PRO, what the other “platforms” in the organisation will be, how they will be structured and what form they will take. We expect to hear more from Iain Cossar, General Manager Science, Innovation and International Policy at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment at a webinar later this week. The following link will join you to the webinar when it is in progress.  

Join the May Webinar (this is an external link)

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Chief Science Advisor and Advisory Council  

Then on 7 May the Government announced the appointment of a new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor and a Science and technology Advisory Council. Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre felt it missed the mark. Here’s what Director, Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck to say:

“It is positive to have a new Chief Science Advisor appointed, as well as a Science and Technology Advisory Council with a strong mix of innovation and business experience.

Given the Government wishes to amend the science system’s outdated settings, it is disappointing that membership of the Advisory Council is weighted towards the agricultural sector.

If New Zealand really is to maintain its global competitiveness, advanced and quantum technologies must be represented and prioritised at the highest level. Australian, UK and other governments already consider them mission critical and have acted accordingly.”      

https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/05/07/new-prime-ministers-chief-science-advisor-and-council-revealed-expert-reaction/

Business Desk produced the following story: Agriculture the winner in senior science advisory roles (behind a paywall)

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Pre-Budget Comment

With this year’s budget looming on 22 May, and the announcements providing no further certainty,  Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck provided journalists with the following pre-budget statement.  

“The last budget damaged the science sector, causing researchers to leave the country, infrastructure to age and projects to stall. This has a long-term impact, so we’re concerned.

As of today, the signals aren’t great. The recent decision to eliminate the Government’s R&D target of 2% of GDP when our OECD competitors operate at 2.7% does not bode well for business R&D investment. We’re on a downward trajectory right now.  

While the announcement of a fourth Public Research Organisation devoted to advanced technologies is positive, apart from the first $71m “platform” in future magnetic and materials technology, we’re still waiting for direction. Unlike governments abroad, there’s been no urgency and we’re falling behind. Whatever the outcome later this month, a “Growth Budget” without investment just doesn’t add up. “  

This was picked up by Business Desk here (paywalled)

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