AgScience was disappointed when we checked out what Penny Simmonds has said to give us pointers to what might be in Budget 2026 for the Science sector.
We were looking for announcements such as the one this week from Courts Minister Nicole McKee that Budget 2026 delivers $100 million investment in Rotorua courts.
Ms Simmonds officially became New Zealand’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology on April 7 as part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cabinet reshuffle at that time.
But we drew a blank in our search on the Beehive website for something from her goodies, preferably – in the science patch.
In fact, she has posted nothing on the Science, Innovation and Technology section of the official website of the New Zealand Government since her appointment.
The latest posts are dated 1 April 2026.
At that time Shane Reti was the Minister.
He posted a copy of his Speech to Sprout Summit on prioritisation in New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system.
He also posted a media statement headed Science funding to focus on national impact.
From this we learned the Government was backing a shift in science spending to areas that will have the greatest national impact, with a stronger focus on advanced technology.
Presumably Ms Simmonds has been busy elsewhere.
On 5 May, as Tertiary Education Minister, she did announce New Appointment to Tertiary Education Commission Board,
The appointment was of Michelle Findlater.
Ms Simmonds also is Associate Minister of Social Development and Employment.
In the absence of clues from her for our science readers, here’s wishing them all the best from the Budget tomorrow.
