Scion has provided inputs to MBIE’s Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways programme, helping to create a modern, future-focussed research system for New Zealand. All Scion staff have had the opportunity to contribute to the submission, and some provided additional input through cross-CRI submissions, and to reflect their own experiences working within New Zealand’s science system. Our mana whenua partners, Ngā Hapū e Toru o Ngāti Whakaue (Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu, Ngāti Te Kahu) have also made a submission. Scion’s submission emphasises four key points:

• Change to the RS&I system is necessary and overdue.
• We have the opportunity for the RS&I system to better deliver on the Te Tiriti partnership, protecting and promoting Māori aspirations, and supporting Māori and regional development and resilience.
• We strongly support the idea of working to co-design clear, high-level national priorities for Aotearoa New Zealand. We have done this in our areas of core purpose in developing Scion’s Strategy to 2030.
• But truly transforming the RS&I system can only be done when the system is supported with a significant increase in investment from government and the private sector, aligned to deliver the outcomes expected of a New Zealand RS&I system.

Our colleagues at MBIE now have the challenging task of working through the large number of submissions. We look forward to working with them on the next steps of this important journey.