Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti, addressing the Life Sciences Summit today, discussed how he sees the contribution which scientists, researchers and innovators make “to New Zealand’s life sciences ecosystem”.
He also spoke about “the most significant reform of New Zealand’s science and technology system in more than 30 years” and its funding.
And he apprised his audience of the Government’s commitment to updating New Zealand’s outdated rules surrounding gene technology.
The conference was organised by BioTech NZ and NZTech.
His full speech can be read HERE.
Dr Reti said the Government had introduced the Gene Technology Bill to Parliament as a framework to deliver a more modern, risk-proportionate regime.
“I have received the Select Committee’s report,” he said.
“It is a complex bill and that reflects that this is a complex issue.
“I am taking time to consider its recommendations to improve the proposed regime, because this a once-in-a-generation opportunity and it is important that we get it right. Fundamentally, we are 20 years behind the Australian legislation.
“In real terms, if we don’t change, our competitors will ‘eat our lunch’ by producing quicker and more resilient species. The next step will be for the Gene Technology Bill to proceed to its second reading, with the timing to be confirmed”.
On the reform of New Zealand’s science and technology system, Dr Reti said the changes were “about ensuring public investment in science delivers outcomes that matter for New Zealand’s economy, our environment and our communities”.
In a similar structure to other small advanced economies, he said, the Government has established the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, to provide one-place for strategic oversight and advice on national science priorities.
“This work will result in clear, actionable research priorities that give researchers and investors, confidence about the long-term direction of the system,” he said.
Research Funding New Zealand has been established as a single, independent decision maker for most government science, innovation and technology funding.
“For researchers, it means a clearer pathway to support,” Dr Reti said.
“For government, it means investment decisions that are better aligned with national priorities and long-term impact.”
Dr Reti said the Bioeconomy Science Institute was a key part of the establishment of new Public Research Organisations.
By bringing together the country’s strengths in agriculture, horticulture, food innovation, forestry, biomaterials and ecosystem resilience, “the Institute is accelerating innovation across the bioeconomy, in what I am told is the second biggest bioeconomy institute in the world.
Investment in cutting‑edge science through the Biodiscovery Platform was supported by $42 million over seven years.
This platform, hosted by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, will help transform New Zealand’s unique biological resources into high-value products and support innovative Kiwi businesses.
“New Zealand has 80,000 indigenous flora and fauna, of which only 30,000 are scientifically described,” Dr Reti said.
“We’ve already seen the success stories, from mānuka in the honey sector to emerging bio-based materials, and nanocellulose from seaweed. I am convinced the next cancer drug and next nutraceutical will be bio-sourced. This platform also speaks to the head start that Māori and matauranga will have with biosourcing.”
Source: Minister for Science, innovation and Technology.
