New Science Investment Plan to drive economic growth and prosperity

What's at stake

Who feels it

Research institutions, universities, public science agencies (CRIs, Manatū Pūtaiao/Ministry for the Environment, MBIE), private sector R&D teams, primary industries sector.

Money in play

$122 million progressive shift toward advanced technologies over the decade; total quantum of science funding unchanged (existing contracts protected). Exact allocation per pillar TBC pending September 2026 Pillar Investment Plans.

Timing

10 June 2026 (Plan release); September 2026 (Pillar Investment Plans due); 10-year framework spans 2026–2036.

How it works

Science Investment Plan (non-statutory framework document); administered by Research Funding New Zealand. Pillar Investment Plans will translate this into operational funding guidance.

Key context

Audit research contracts and grant agreements for alignment with four priority areas: primary industries/bioeconomy, advanced technologies, environmental sustainability, health.Watch for September 2026 Pillar Investment Plans—these will specify actual funding allocations and eligibility criteria across the four pillars.Note: $122 million shift is **progressive**—phased in over the decade; existing contracts remain unchanged, so no immediate cliff-edge reallocation.Track the Expert Pillar Advisory Groups—these will shape how sectors (government, CRIs, universities) are consulted on deployment within each pillar.No new statutory obligations or compliance regime announced; framework is advisory, but will steer how RFNZ distributes existing science funding.

Wider effects

Advanced technologies (explicit pillar); primary industries / bioeconomy transformation; environmental sustainability / climate resilience; health innovation. Implicit link to broader innovation system reform (Cabinet has signalled earlier science/innovation restructuring); no direct Te Tiriti or competition law implications stated, but sectoral research funding will affect private R&D incentives and primary export competitiveness.