Hodgson’s Reappointment To Science Portfolios

21 August 2002

Hodgson’s Reappointment To Science Portfolios Will Continue Momentum

Pete Hodgson’s re-appointment as Minister of Crown Research Institutes and Minister of Research, Science & Technology will continue the necessary momentum for change in the science and innovation sector, says the Association of Crown Research Institutes (ACRI).

Paul Tocker, President of ACRI, said:

“Pete Hodgson has immense knowledge of the sector, and brings his personal interest in and commitment to the value of science as the basis of New Zealand’s economic transformation and sustainable development.

“That continuity will ensure that we do not slacken off the pace, either in the science itself or in the transfer of ideas into wealth-creating products or services.

“Change is required if we are to bring New Zealand back to the top half of the OECD. We cannot continue to do things tomorrow as we are doing them today; we must do things better and in many cases differently.

“The Minister knows that barriers to better performance do exist. Greater collaboration can ensure a better integrated innovation system that is dynamic and performance based.

“It is time to take on the world, not each other. We must build on our existing strengths and create new niches to bring home the benefits of our world class science and innovations.

“CRIs offer our experience, insight and knowledge to the Minister in that task. We commit to working with him and others of like mind to help make the difference.”

ENDS
Notes to Editor
ACRI supports the common interests of the Crown-owned research companies, the largest providers of scientific research in New Zealand.

The CRIs undertake blue-sky and commercialised science and technology research for government and private sector markets in New Zealand and abroad. In the year ended 30 June 2001, CRIs achieved $482.6 million in revenues, including export returns of $43 million, net profit after tax of $22.8 million and employed more than 4000 staff.

The members of ACRI are: Crop & Food Research, ESR, Forest Research, GNS, HortResearch, Industrial Research, Landcare Research, NIWA.

© Scoop Media