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Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways Newsletter
March 2023
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the first update on Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways for 2023.
Since releasing the White Paper in December, we’ve announced new initiatives to build Māori research capacity, capability, and aspirations, and we’ve met with various international experts to learn from examples across the globe.
We had workshops with the horticulture industry and the Start-up Advisory Council, and our Reference Group met for the first time this year in February.
Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways White Paper – MBIE website
We held an online hui with Early Career Researchers (ECRs), pan-Crown Research Institute ECRs, and Māori and Pacific ECRs, with more than 100 people from a broad range of research organisations participating. And we’re continuing to meet regularly with peak bodies, government agencies and their advisors, and others in the sector as we develop this policy work further.
Keep an eye out for this newsletter so you don’t miss out on important updates and opportunities to get involved in Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways. And feel free to forward this on to anyone you think should be informed about our changing Research, Science and Innovation system.
Watch: Information session on Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways
Around 500 people tuned in to our online information sessions about the Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways White Paper. The 2 hui were led by Chief Science Advisor Gary Evans and featured Director Māori Research Science and Innovation Dr Willy-John Martin, General Manager Science System Investment and Performance Dr Prue Williams, and Manager Future Pathways Tara Thurlow-Rae.
These sessions provided an overview of key concepts from the White Paper, outlined the direction of the research, science and innovation (RSI) system reform, and answered questions from attendees. A huge thanks to everyone that took part. The questions, in particular, were incredibly useful and insightful.
If you didn’t have a chance to join, you can watch the recording at:
Transitioning from NSCs to National Research Priorities
One of the most commonly asked questions in the information sessions was about the National Science Challenges (NSCs).
We’re very mindful that these are coming to an end in 2024. That’s why one of the first things we’re doing this year is setting National Research Priorities. These will act as both a funding mechanism and as hubs of collaboration, coordination and capability for the RSI system. Researchers and activities relevant to a National Research Priority will be able to connect, collaborate and share knowledge, whether they are funded by a National Research Priority or not.
The RSI response to Cyclone Gabrielle is a good example of how we should be coordinating and collaborating across organisational and funding barriers to achieve common goals.
The process for setting the National Research Priorities will build on the capability developed from the NSCs, as well as examples from other industries, sectors, and overseas. As per the timeline in the White Paper, the Priorities will be confirmed near the end of 2023. They will give us a refreshed pathway as we move forward and, importantly, well before the National Science Challenges officially end.
New initiatives to unlock Māori science and research resources
On 7 February 2023, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall announced a suite of initiatives to unlock Māori and Pacific resources, talent and knowledge across the science and research sector. 2 new funds, He tipu ka hua and He aka ka toro, are set to open in April and July 2023. Together, they will provide up to $10 million per year to Māori organisations to build Māori research capacity, capability and aspirations over the next 5 years.
Read the release from Minister Verrall – Beehive
Staff spotlight: Richard Walley
Feedback on the Green Paper emphasised a need to connect with RSI systems in other countries on key focus areas in Te Ara Paerangi.
In the last few months, MBIE’s Policy Director of Science, Innovation and International Richard Walley has been engaging with experts across the globe to get a better idea of how other countries have created thriving, high-wage RSI sectors.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this transformation of our research, science, and innovation system,” says Richard. “I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t – here in New Zealand and from our international partners. I am looking forward to working closely with the sector as we develop and implement a world-leading system.”
Pictured: Richard Walley (left) with Frithjof Maennel (right), head of Germany’s Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Get involved
If you have any feedback, suggestions, or stories to share, you can contact us at:
@MBIEsci – MBIE Science on Twitter
