Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Ministers on science and innovation issues. This position will be appointed by the
Royal Society of New Zealand, rather than the Prime Minister as it is currently.
A healthy science sector relies on a solid foundation of primary research. Labour recognises
that fundamental science and public good science are essential to New Zealand‟s well-being
and an underlying driver of innovation.
Labour will, as resources become available, prioritise an increase in our public
science spend to link New Zealand to the OECD average.
Labour will maintain a robust public science sector through universities and Crown
Research Institutes that lead our fundamental science effort.
Labour will continue to support research and science in our key agriculture, fisheries
and aquaculture industries.
Supporting our world beating scientists and providing them the resources to blossom in their
field will attract other top talent to New Zealand that will build areas of research excellence
for which New Zealand will become world renowned.
Labour will establish a scheme for better funding „brilliant‟ scientists. Funding would
be portable to allow scientists to take it to the most appropriate institution, purchase
equipment, recruit staff and attract other world leaders in the field to New Zealand to
create nodes of international expertise.
The years immediately following graduation are critical to consolidate the careers of
scientists. With the removal of post-doctoral scholarships in 2010, New Zealand has lost
hundreds of our best brains overseas.
Labour will reinstate post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates so they are
supported into research careers in New Zealand instead of being lost overseas.
Being strategic
In addition to our expertise in agricultural science and research, New Zealand is in a unique
position to capitalise on our clean, green image. We need to be strategic. Yet at present we
are failing to recognise the real opportunities. We generate more of our energy from
renewable sources than almost any other country. Our 100% Pure NZ brand provides a
great platform for clean, „weightless‟, high value exports. But other areas of our economy risk
sabotaging one of the world‟s most recognised and valuable brands.
The high-tech sector – which is largely green or low carbon manufacturing – is currently
worth $6.5 billion to New Zealand‟s economy and growing at close to 5% a year. With further
stimulus and the right environment for growth that could increase further. Price Waterhouse
378