NZ scientists make breakthrough in Facial Eczema research
A significant breakthrough in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock brings New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s devastating impact on farmers, animals, and rural communities.
The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).
This will see the creation of a PRO called Bioeconomy, which will bring together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion.
The creation of an Earth sciences PRO which will bring together NIWA and GNS and as already signalled will see MetService become a wholly owned subsidiary of NIWA.
The former ESR will become the Health and Forensic Science Services PRO with a ‘new’ focus. Finally, a new advanced technology PRO will deliver research, capability, and commercial outreach around advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and quantum.
Gone is Callaghan Innovation with the government saying its functions will be spread amongst other PROs.
As part of the reforms a new Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council will provide strategic direction and oversight of the system, advise on priorities and identify the biggest opportunities to leverage science, innovation and technology for economic growth.
A new agency, Invest New Zealand, will be set up as a one-stop-shop for foreign direct investment, to help the Government reach its goal of doubling exports by 2034. The existing NZTE will refocus on driving export growth, facilitating trade and access to international markets.
Science Innovation and Technology Minister, Judith Collins says while the changes are extensive, they will ensure a science system that generates maximum value for the economy and, therefore, for New Zealanders.
“This work, along with our move to overturn what has effectively been a 30-year ban on gene technology, will unlock enormous opportunities for our science sector and New Zealanders and maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science sector each year,” she says.
Legislation creating the reforms is expected to be passed by the end of this year and new organisations are expected to be up and running 2026
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…