- Hon Penny Simmonds
The Government has released its Science Investment Plan, setting a clear long‑term direction for how public science funding will drive New Zealand’s economic growth, resilience and prosperity, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“The Science Investment Plan positions science as a powerful driver of economic transformation – supporting high-value jobs, lifting productivity, and strengthening New Zealand’s international competitiveness.
“It is a major milestone in the Government’s reform of the science, innovation and technology system, helping to grow the economy and prepare New Zealand for future success.”
“We are creating a science system that enables our world-class scientists, universities and research organisations to drive new ideas to market and ensure New Zealand competes and wins on the global stage, while continuing to invest in investigator-led research that helps our economy, environment and people to thrive.”
The plan has been guided by expert advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council and provides a framework for how public investment will be directed over the next decade.
Public investment will be targeted to four priority areas that offer the greatest potential to deliver impact, commercialise research, and accelerate economic growth:
- Primary industries and bioeconomy
- Technology for prosperity
- Environmental sustainability and resilience
- Healthy people and a thriving society
Existing public science investment will be aligned across these priority areas, including a progressive shift of $122 million toward advanced technologies. This includes funding already committed to the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
“This shift reflects the growing role advanced technologies play in lifting productivity and enabling innovation across the economy.
“Investment in advanced technology is already delivering real benefits – boosting farm productivity, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting smarter, data‑driven decisions that improve health, resilience, and sustainability across New Zealand.
“The Plan ensures New Zealand can compete with the best internationally, while continuing to build on our strengths in the primary sector and environmental stewardship.
“It’s about getting more impact from existing funding, with changes phased in to provide certainty and continuity so researchers and organisations can plan and invest for the long-term with confidence. It doesn’t reduce the quantum of funding available for science, innovation and technology and existing contracts will continue without change.
“This Plan turns ambition into action – backing our scientists and innovators to deliver for New Zealand and positioning the country to seize the opportunities ahead.”
Research Funding New Zealand will now develop Pillar Investment Plans that will outline how the four priority areas will be delivered. These are expected in September 2026. Expert Pillar Advisory Groups will advise Research Funding New Zealand and draw on their networks in government agencies and sector bodies.
Link to Science Investment Plan document:
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32023-science-investment-plan-2026-2036
Link to Refining Science, Innovation and Technology System Priorities Report from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation & Technology Advisory Council (PMSTIAC):
