PM's Chief Science Adviser on Statement

The Prime Minister’s Opening Speech to Parliament – 9 February 2010

The Prime Minister today in an opening speech to Parliament committed New Zealand to lifting its science and innovation effort to advance more effectively New Zealand’s prosperity and economic growth.

The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Sir Peter Gluckman says that this speech represents a very significant reawakening of New Zealand’s attitude towards science and technology.

No longer will science be seen as a cost to the New Zealand economy, but rather as a major and underpinning investment for New Zealand’s economic growth, social development, environmental protection and international reputation.

The Prime Minister and the Government’s commitment to science and innovation represent an important progression in New Zealand’s development. The Prime Minster indicated that there will be a number of changes made to the science system and science and innovation is to be a priority for new spending in this year’s Budget.

Along with the Prime Minister’s previous announcements including the establishment of the Crown Research Institute (CRI) Taskforce, the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes and the appointment of Sir Peter Gluckman as his Chief Science Advisor in May 2009, this speech is both visionary and an indication of the strong support this Government has for knowledge and science as an essential part of New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental future.

ENDS