• Analysis from AgScience – 

A fundamental difference in the science policies of the two major parties, in the runup to the general election, has concerned the purpose of science funding. National emphasises economic growth and commercial outcomes while Labour places more emphasis on supporting the whole research ecosystem, including fundamental research and public-good science.

But National has seemed almost coy about its position.

With barely a week until the election, National MP and Science Minister Penny Simmonds was the only party representative missing from a Royal Society of New Zealand panel discussion, which her counterparts from Labour, the Greens, NZ First, Act and Opportunity attended. Asked afterwards by Newsroom, she would not give an explanation.

A few weeks earlier, on 9 September, National did not respond in time to Science Media Centre questions put to the political parties about their science policies.

The questions were –

• What level of public investment in research, science, technology and innovation would your party commit to over the next term, and what are the priorities?
• How would you balance incentives for more immediate economic returns against longer term public good outcomes across this investment?
• What role do you see for NZ’s public research orgs, unis and independent institutes – and would your party make any further structural/financial changes to the system?
• How does your party intend to support investment in research and development (R&D)?
• If elected, what is the single most important action your party would take in its first 12 months to strengthen NZ’s research and innovation system?
• What role should scientific evidence and independent science advice play in government decision-making, and how would your party support this?
• How will you ensure NZ has the science and research needed to respond to environmental climate challenges and natural hazards?
• How will you address concerns that NZ is not adapting fast enough to growing climate risks?
• What evidence would guide the party’s approach to manage carbon emissions?
• Which sectors does the party see as priorities for NZ’s economic growth?
• What is your party’s approach to the adoption and regulation of artificial intelligence, including the data and digital infrastructure needed for it?
• What is your party’s position on gene editing technologies and their use in conservation, medical, primary sector and other potential applications in NZ?

Responses to all 12 questions on science policy and investment, climate and natural hazards, gene tech, AI, and emerging tech, were published HERE. 

The National Party and Te Pāti Māori did not respond by the media centre’s deadline while ACT – declining the invitation – said its policy manifesto would be published on the party’s website before the election.

NZ First provided information but noted that in many areas it had not finalised its policies at that time.

But the Science Media Centre is not the only source of information and – focusing on the two main parties – here’s how AgScience sees the policy choices:

National

National Party science policy essentially is reflected in its programme to make the science system more commercially oriented and more closely linked to economic growth, productivity, and innovation.

Key elements include:

• The commercialisation of research: National says publicly funded science should produce more practical and economic benefits, with stronger pathways from research to market. It has emphasised turning scientific discoveries into businesses, exports, and productivity gains.
• Science system reform: The Government has restructured parts of the research sector and established new Public Research Organisations focused on bioeconomy, earth sciences and health and forensic sciences. Those organisations are intended to better connect research with national priorities and commercial opportunities.
• Gene technology and biotechnology: National has strongly supported modernising New Zealand’s gene technology regulations, arguing that gene technologies can improve healthcare, agricultural productivity, climate adaptation, and exports. Budget 2025 included funding for a dedicated gene technology regulator.
• Science as a driver of growth: The party’s stated approach is that research investment should contribute to economic growth, high-value jobs, innovation, and solutions to real-world challenges such as natural hazards and climate change.

• National’s 2026 election policies are here. 

Labour 

Labour’s emphasis is on long-term public-good research, supporting scientists and research institutions, evidence-based government decisions, and ensuring scientific innovation benefits New Zealanders.

Research funding and scientific institutions

Labour has expressed concern about National’s restructuring and said New Zealand should be backing its scientists rather than losing them overseas.

Its stated positions include:

1. • Supporting long-term public-good research.
   • Retaining experienced scientists and research capability in New Zealand.
   • Opposing the loss of scientific jobs and institutional knowledge.
   • Supporting universities and public research organisations.
   • Providing more stable research funding.

 Labour says science should not be judged solely by its immediate commercial or economic value and supports research that benefits society more broadly, including environmental and climate science and social science and humanities research.

Genetic engineering and biotechnology

Labour supports a cautious, measured approach to genetic technologies. Its position includes

1. • Updating regulations to reflect scientific advances.
   • Protecting New Zealand’s primary industries and international reputation.
   • Considering the potential risks of genetic modification and gene editing.

Climate and environmental science

Labour says it will appropriately fund scientists working on:

1. • Climate change.
   • Natural disasters and geological hazards.
   • Environmental protection.
   • Biodiversity.
   • Climate adaptation and resilience.

It supports science-based decision-making and considers independent scientific advice important to government policy.

Investment in New Zealand innovation

Labour’s significant economic proposals include its New Zealand Future Fund, an independently governed fund to invest in infrastructure and innovative New Zealand businesses.

• Labour’s 2026 election policies are here .