NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
@nzscientists.bsky.social
We are an independent organisation that represents New Zealand scientists. http://scientists.org.nz
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
The reform is failing... (1/5)
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
Is stagnating science funding leaving NZ more exposed to hazards?
The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 4, 2026 at 10:48 PM
The reform is failing... (1/5)
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
Is stagnating science funding leaving NZ more exposed to hazards?
The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
The current reforms of the research system are now on track for another failure. They double down on mistakes that undermine long-term growth, well being & safety. We must ask for accountability and transparency about three key issues as we go into the election year.
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
February 2, 2026 at 8:31 PM
The current reforms of the research system are now on track for another failure. They double down on mistakes that undermine long-term growth, well being & safety. We must ask for accountability and transparency about three key issues as we go into the election year.
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
🔥 Our Affiliate Troy Baisden was on RNZ's Mediawatch recently, discussing misinformation about EV's malfunctioning and causing fires. The story was in the context of the Goverment slashing by 80% the clean car standard - which incentivised sales of low- or zero-emission vehicles. 🚗
Mediawatch: Angst over EVs blows up in headlines
EV uptake boomed with incentives in place, but this week, the government made traditional cars cheaper instead.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 17, 2025 at 11:14 PM
🔥 Our Affiliate Troy Baisden was on RNZ's Mediawatch recently, discussing misinformation about EV's malfunctioning and causing fires. The story was in the context of the Goverment slashing by 80% the clean car standard - which incentivised sales of low- or zero-emission vehicles. 🚗
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
We hope to see you tomorrow at our conference and awards, in person in Wellington. If you can't make it, we'll have some limited streaming including the opening session and awards. Check the webpage for details.
scientists.org.nz/nzas-confere...
scientists.org.nz/nzas-confere...
November 24, 2025 at 11:10 PM
We hope to see you tomorrow at our conference and awards, in person in Wellington. If you can't make it, we'll have some limited streaming including the opening session and awards. Check the webpage for details.
scientists.org.nz/nzas-confere...
scientists.org.nz/nzas-confere...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
A cocktail of stories in recent weeks has made me deeply concerned our information ecosystem around electric vehicles (EVs) as a pathway to emissions reduction has been undergoing "rapid disassembly."
This RNZ Mediawatch piece is a great compendium. (14 min)
(1/3)
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
This RNZ Mediawatch piece is a great compendium. (14 min)
(1/3)
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Mediawatch: Angst about EVs blows up in the headlines
EV uptake boomed with incentives in place, but this week the government made traditional cars cheaper instead. And have reports of EVs on fire sparked safety fears fuelled by bad information?
www.rnz.co.nz
November 22, 2025 at 11:08 PM
A cocktail of stories in recent weeks has made me deeply concerned our information ecosystem around electric vehicles (EVs) as a pathway to emissions reduction has been undergoing "rapid disassembly."
This RNZ Mediawatch piece is a great compendium. (14 min)
(1/3)
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
This RNZ Mediawatch piece is a great compendium. (14 min)
(1/3)
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Nice to see Research, Science, Innovation and Technology getting a little airtime with two oral questions, and subsequent supplementary exchanges, in Parliament today. There are some extreme snippets on socials but here is full session (7 min). youtu.be/s2rz84uo2JQ
Parliament Oral Questions 10 and 11 on 13 Nov 2025
YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Nice to see Research, Science, Innovation and Technology getting a little airtime with two oral questions, and subsequent supplementary exchanges, in Parliament today. There are some extreme snippets on socials but here is full session (7 min). youtu.be/s2rz84uo2JQ
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Now also on RNZ! A personal perspect on how the #BatshitBudget for science undermines and drives away the top science talent that helps us build a great nation. www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
Top scientist calls out woeful funding arrangements
A recent government science funding announcement hasn't impressed one of the country's top scientists, who says the country's best researchers are being driven overseas.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 28, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Now also on RNZ! A personal perspect on how the #BatshitBudget for science undermines and drives away the top science talent that helps us build a great nation. www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
Quick reminder - the NZAS 2025 conference is happening on 26 November in Pōneke, more information at this link. We will be talking about our 2025 survey of NZ scientists, the Save Science Coalition, priorities for public good science, and more!
New Zealand Association of Scientists - NZAS 2025 Conference
scientists.org.nz
October 28, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Quick reminder - the NZAS 2025 conference is happening on 26 November in Pōneke, more information at this link. We will be talking about our 2025 survey of NZ scientists, the Save Science Coalition, priorities for public good science, and more!
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Um. I mean. Um. In this moment, it is really really bad. But bugger all jobs in New Zealand after busting one's behind to get advanced science degrees is 40+ years lived reality.
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Um. I mean. Um. In this moment, it is really really bad. But bugger all jobs in New Zealand after busting one's behind to get advanced science degrees is 40+ years lived reality.
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
14 years ago Paul Callaghan gave this talk. It leaned in to the idea of making Aotearoa New Zealand a place where talented people wanted to live. Our government is hell bent on doing the opposite.
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
October 6, 2025 at 7:06 PM
14 years ago Paul Callaghan gave this talk. It leaned in to the idea of making Aotearoa New Zealand a place where talented people wanted to live. Our government is hell bent on doing the opposite.
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
@nzscientists.bsky.social
#NZPOL
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
You know about NZ's cuts to research funding? How bleak is it for climate change research?
Bleak.
Explainer and perspectives now outside Carbon News NZ's paywall. www.carbonnews.co.nz/news/35492/s...
Bleak.
Explainer and perspectives now outside Carbon News NZ's paywall. www.carbonnews.co.nz/news/35492/s...
Carbon News
Carbon News NZ Climate Policy Carbon Markets
www.carbonnews.co.nz
September 19, 2025 at 11:58 PM
You know about NZ's cuts to research funding? How bleak is it for climate change research?
Bleak.
Explainer and perspectives now outside Carbon News NZ's paywall. www.carbonnews.co.nz/news/35492/s...
Bleak.
Explainer and perspectives now outside Carbon News NZ's paywall. www.carbonnews.co.nz/news/35492/s...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Did you catch news that the Universities Advisory Group (UAG) reports were released, but the government binned or balked on many of the key recommendations?
The whole process went from shelved to buried yesterday morning.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/03/u...
The whole process went from shelved to buried yesterday morning.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/03/u...
University sector changes announced - Expert Reaction
The Government will be changing aspects to New Zealand's higher education system, informed by a recently released report by the University Advisory Group.
Changes include a new strategy for all of New...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
September 3, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Did you catch news that the Universities Advisory Group (UAG) reports were released, but the government binned or balked on many of the key recommendations?
The whole process went from shelved to buried yesterday morning.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/03/u...
The whole process went from shelved to buried yesterday morning.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/03/u...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
UAG report and cabinet paper are out. Gluckman: Read the Interim Report’s strategic approach first (before getting lost in the operational details.) Alas, if only more of the strategic recommendations had a clear path to implementation… www.education.govt.nz/our-work/inf...
University Advisory Group
We formed the University Advisory Group (UAG) in March 2024 at the request of the Government.
www.education.govt.nz
September 1, 2025 at 8:25 PM
UAG report and cabinet paper are out. Gluckman: Read the Interim Report’s strategic approach first (before getting lost in the operational details.) Alas, if only more of the strategic recommendations had a clear path to implementation… www.education.govt.nz/our-work/inf...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Our parliament might give us confidence in the government's approach to the science if answers were delivered with care and clarity. youtu.be/2Glk1fHNMaU?...
Reuben Davidson (Labour) on Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Oral Q 12 22Aug2025
YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists
youtu.be
August 22, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Our parliament might give us confidence in the government's approach to the science if answers were delivered with care and clarity. youtu.be/2Glk1fHNMaU?...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Robust debate in Parliament yesterday, with questions from Scott Willis to Shane Reti MP about cuts, job losses and whether reprioritisation will yield clarity or any benefits. The answers aren't reassuring but it is good to see this getting attention. youtu.be/Vam6UmnvtyY
RSIT in Parliament – Oral Q5 14 Aug 2025
YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists
youtu.be
August 15, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Robust debate in Parliament yesterday, with questions from Scott Willis to Shane Reti MP about cuts, job losses and whether reprioritisation will yield clarity or any benefits. The answers aren't reassuring but it is good to see this getting attention. youtu.be/Vam6UmnvtyY
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Unsurprisingly shocking news: the Advanced Technology Institute is being funded by mortgaging the future of other science funding.
Had you wondered whether we're rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, or playing musical chairs?
It's both.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/08/06/f...
Had you wondered whether we're rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, or playing musical chairs?
It's both.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/08/06/f...
Further cuts fund new tech institute - Expert Reaction
Details of new changes to research funding under sweeping science sector reforms have been released today.
The briefing confirms that set up of the NZ Institute for Advanced Technology will be paid fo...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
August 6, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Unsurprisingly shocking news: the Advanced Technology Institute is being funded by mortgaging the future of other science funding.
Had you wondered whether we're rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, or playing musical chairs?
It's both.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/08/06/f...
Had you wondered whether we're rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, or playing musical chairs?
It's both.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/08/06/f...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
If you're a researcher in NZ please do our very short survey on the Vision Mātauranga policy! We are keen to hear your opinions. DM for the survey link
July 24, 2025 at 12:28 AM
If you're a researcher in NZ please do our very short survey on the Vision Mātauranga policy! We are keen to hear your opinions. DM for the survey link
Reminder - applications close 1 August. Note the new medal debut this year...
📢 Applications open for the 2025 Science Medals from the New Zealand Association of Scientists. scientists.org.nz/how-to-apply
Check out this thread for the medals available - including one NEW this year.
Check out this thread for the medals available - including one NEW this year.
July 3, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Reminder - applications close 1 August. Note the new medal debut this year...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
MethaneSat appears lost.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
We'll be pondering NZ's $29m for some time.
Good tracking by @eloisegibson.bsky.social.
My big question: did the same MBIE people who botched the science system we're still trying to fix move across and mess this up too? #commercialisation
www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
We'll be pondering NZ's $29m for some time.
Good tracking by @eloisegibson.bsky.social.
My big question: did the same MBIE people who botched the science system we're still trying to fix move across and mess this up too? #commercialisation
Taxpayer funded satellite likely "irrecoverable" after losing contact with the ground
A methane-tracking satellite which was given $29 million from the New Zealand government has lost contact with the ground.
www.rnz.co.nz
July 1, 2025 at 11:51 PM
MethaneSat appears lost.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
We'll be pondering NZ's $29m for some time.
Good tracking by @eloisegibson.bsky.social.
My big question: did the same MBIE people who botched the science system we're still trying to fix move across and mess this up too? #commercialisation
www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
We'll be pondering NZ's $29m for some time.
Good tracking by @eloisegibson.bsky.social.
My big question: did the same MBIE people who botched the science system we're still trying to fix move across and mess this up too? #commercialisation
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
A more balanced story over in Newsroom (out of paywall tomorrow) with me providing Newsroom Pro's chart of the day newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/01/s...
Science sector merged but funding gaps remain
The dawn of a new era for NZ science was met by hopes for efficiency and collaboration, but scientists’ pleas for more funding continue to echo
newsroom.co.nz
July 1, 2025 at 5:31 AM
A more balanced story over in Newsroom (out of paywall tomorrow) with me providing Newsroom Pro's chart of the day newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/01/s...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Not mentioned are that some of the key issues - erosion, wetlands, and what climate information means for farmer all cross between the two institutes, despite the merger.
July 1, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Not mentioned are that some of the key issues - erosion, wetlands, and what climate information means for farmer all cross between the two institutes, despite the merger.
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Articles out today on directions of the mergers in the research system open up some of the concerns, and also suggest benefits may not come quickly.
Farmers weekly perspective suggests my worst case scenario could apply. www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/s...
Farmers weekly perspective suggests my worst case scenario could apply. www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/s...
Science head sees old problems in new-look PROs
NZ Association of Scientists co-president questions benefits to sector from new model.
www.farmersweekly.co.nz
July 1, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Articles out today on directions of the mergers in the research system open up some of the concerns, and also suggest benefits may not come quickly.
Farmers weekly perspective suggests my worst case scenario could apply. www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/s...
Farmers weekly perspective suggests my worst case scenario could apply. www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/s...
Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists
Still trying to make sense of Day One for the "PROs" which are still CRIs. How 'public' will these Public Research Organisations be?
We have a news page and much wider resources up at NZAS.
scientists.org.nz/news/13515621
We have a news page and much wider resources up at NZAS.
scientists.org.nz/news/13515621
a group of cartoon characters with hurrah for science whoo
ALT: a group of cartoon characters with hurrah for science whoo
media.tenor.com
June 30, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Still trying to make sense of Day One for the "PROs" which are still CRIs. How 'public' will these Public Research Organisations be?
We have a news page and much wider resources up at NZAS.
scientists.org.nz/news/13515621
We have a news page and much wider resources up at NZAS.
scientists.org.nz/news/13515621