Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council
The Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council is a scientific advisory group in New Zealand, established to provide advice to the government on science funding priorities.
Role
[edit]The Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council was established in May 2025, as part of the science system reforms overseen by Peter Gluckman.[1] Their role is to provide advice to the government on priorities for science and technology funding, including identifying areas that are not of sufficient economic benefit to warrant investment.[1] They will also identify opportunities or commercialisation of science, and will ensure that funding priorities are aligned with the New Zealand government's economic strategy.[2] Members are appointed for three years, and are able to serve a maximum of two terms.[2]
Membership
[edit]The council is chaired by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Shane Reti, and the deputy chair is the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, John Roche.[1] Five other members were announced at the establishment of the council.[3] Members include Craig Piggott, an entrepreneur who developed a monitoring system for farm animals,[4] barrister and accountant Komal Mistry-Mehta, who is a senior manager in venture capital at Fonterra,[5] and Malcolm Johns, chief executive of Genesis Energy and previously CEO of Christchurch Airport.[6] Merryn Tawhai, a respiratory bioengineer and professor at the University of Auckland and former Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, Peter Gluckman, complete the Council.[1] Commentators noted that there was a strong emphasis on agricultural science experience on the Council, and an absence of expertise in Mātauranga Māori.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "John Roche named as Prime Minister's new chief science adviser". NZ Herald. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Members appointed to the PM's Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment". www.mbie.govt.nz. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ a b "New Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor and Council revealed - Expert Reaction". 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ Howe, Tim (2024). "Craig Piggott, Halter: Finalist - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 New Zealand". www.ey.com. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Management Team". Fonterra. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Malcolm Johns". Global Women. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2025.