Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Kiwi curiosity at heart of science engagement

Hon Steven Joyce

Minister of Science & Innovation

Hon Hekia Parata

Minister of Education


29 July 2014

Media Statement

Kiwi curiosity at heart of science engagement

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Education Minister Hekia Parata today launched the Government’s action plan to encourage engagement with science and technology across all sectors of New Zealand.

A Nation of Curious Minds: He Whenua Hirihi I te Mahara – is the blueprint for the Science in Society Project and has been jointly developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Education with close involvement from the office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.

The plan lists four key areas for action:

• creating new opportunities for teachers and students to engage with scientists and industry both inside and outside the classroom, right across the education system

• attracting students from a wider range of backgrounds to study science and technology and follow careers in the growing STEM-related occupations

• encouraging the science sector to be more engaged with the wider community so New Zealanders are more aware of the relevance of scientific research and the new technologies and innovations it provides

• setting up a new platform to engage students, communities and scientists in to set up participatory research projects across the New Zealand, where volunteers, teachers and students can collaborate with science professionals.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Science, and the knowledge and innovation that flow from it, plays a critical role in creating and defining our future,” Mr Joyce says. “As many New Zealanders as possible should be able to respond to the challenges and opportunities science presents, and have the confidence to take part in debates involving science and technology.”

Ms Parata says the importance of science and innovation for the future of New Zealand cannot be underestimated.

“If we are serious about ensuring a prosperous future for every New Zealander, we must ensure all our young people have the best possible opportunity to achieve educational success,” Ms Parata says.

“Lifting engagement and achievement in science education is absolutely vital and the education profession must prepare all New Zealanders to be participants, and leaders, in the 21st century.”

The Ministry of Education has allocated $3.9 million towards the plan including $400,000 over the first two years to fund the Science Skills in Education Initiative, plus the $3.5 million for teacher and learner support and resources for the science curriculum announced previously. MBIE is dedicating $2.7 million in the 2014/15 year to support new Science in Society Initiatives.

Among the programmes to help achieve the goals in the plan are a contestable fund available for projects aimed at engaging harder-to-reach groups and a Science Skills in Education initiative to support schools and teachers to build confidence and access resources to build rich, exciting science programmes.

The plan responds to the Science in Society leadership challenge identified by the National Science Challenges Panel in 2013. The plan will be closely monitored during its first year of operation and the Science in Society reference group will be reconvened over the next year to consider refinements to it.

A Nation of Curious Minds: He Whenua Hirihi I te Mahara is available at:http://www.msi.govt.nz/update-me/major-projects/science-and-society-project/

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.