New Zealand Science Investment Plan 2026

June , 2026 : What Is New Zealand’s New Science Investment Plan and How Will It Support Economic Growth

What Is New Zealand’s New Science Investment Plan?

The New Zealand Government has released a new long-term plan explaining how public science and research funding will be directed over the next decade.

The Science Investment Plan 2026-2036 aims to use scientific research more effectively to support economic growth, create high-value jobs, improve productivity and help New Zealand compete internationally.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds announced the plan on 10 June 2026.

She said the Government wants New Zealand’s scientists, universities and research organizations to develop ideas that can be turned into useful products, technologies and services.

What will the Science Investment Plan do?

The plan provides a national framework for deciding where public science funding should be directed.

Instead of spreading investment across many disconnected areas, the Government intends to focus funding on four main priorities:

Primary industries and bioeconomy

This area includes research that could improve agriculture, food production, forestry and other biological industries.

The aim is to increase productivity, develop higher-value products and reduce environmental impacts.

Technology for prosperity

This priority will support advanced technologies that could improve business productivity and create new commercial opportunities.

The Government plans to progressively shift $122 million of existing science funding towards advanced technologies. This includes funding already committed to the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.

Environmental sustainability and resilience

Research under this area may help New Zealand prepare for environmental risks, protect natural resources and build greater resilience to future challenges.

Healthy people and a thriving society

This priority will support research intended to improve people’s health, wellbeing and wider social outcomes.

Is the Government reducing overall science funding?

According to the Government, the plan does not reduce the total amount of funding available for science, innovation and technology.

The changes involve redirecting and aligning existing investment with the four national priority areas.

Current funding contracts will continue without change, while future adjustments will be introduced progressively so that researchers and organisations have time to plan.

Who developed the plan?

The plan was developed by the Government with advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council.

The council examined how New Zealand could identify research priorities and direct investment towards areas likely to deliver the greatest national benefit.

Its recommendations are outlined in a separate report titled Refining Science, Innovation and Technology System Priorities.

Who will lead the next stage?

Research Funding New Zealand will develop detailed Pillar Investment Plans for each of the four priority areas.

These plans will explain how funding will be allocated and how the priorities will be delivered in practice.

Expert Pillar Advisory Groups will support this work by providing advice and drawing on knowledge from government agencies, researchers and relevant industry organisations.

The Pillar Investment Plans are expected to be completed in September 2026 and submitted for ministerial approval.

Why is the plan important now?

New Zealand faces pressure to improve productivity, develop stronger technology industries and turn more research into commercially useful products and services.

The plan is intended to give researchers, universities, science organisations and businesses a clearer understanding of the Government’s long-term priorities.

A more focused system could also help New Zealand build specialist expertise, attract investment and connect scientific research more closely with economic, environmental and social needs.

However, the practical impact of the plan will depend on how the four priorities are translated into funding decisions and individual research programmes.

Where can readers find more information?

The complete Science Investment Plan 2026–2036 is available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website: Science Investment Plan 2026-2036

Readers can also view the advisory council’s report, Refining Science, Innovation and Technology System Priorities, for more information about the advice behind the plan: Refining Science, Innovation and Technology System Priorities Report

Key Points

New Zealand has released a ten-year Science Investment Plan covering 2026 to 2036.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds announced the plan.
Public science investment will focus on four national priority areas.
The Government will progressively shift $122 million towards advanced technologies.
The plan redirects existing funding rather than reducing the overall science funding available.
Existing research contracts will continue without change.
Research Funding New Zealand will develop detailed implementation plans.
The four Pillar Investment Plans are expected in September 2026.

Editorial Note: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It provides analytical insights based on publicly available information and does not constitute financial, legal, or political advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and expert advisors for verified guidance.