Loss of scientific research investment a concern

Government plans to expand scientific research into Auckland and Christchurch at the expense of Industrial Research Limited (IRL) in Lower Hutt appear short sighted, says Mayor Ray Wallace.

“Economic stimulus for New Zealand’s heartland is vital and sucking investment into other areas will be devastating for the Wellington region,” said Mayor Wallace who this week met with Research and Science Minister, Hon Dr Wayne Mapp.

“The Minister will be taking an independent report into research and development for high value manufacturing to Cabinet later this month that is likely to recommend investment be taken away from our region.

“Lower Hutt has built a future growth strategy based on science which is already paying dividends with local science-based companies winning Gold business awards for innovative developments of the kind being sought by the Minister.

“I have been told that while the core of IRL will remain in Lower Hutt, future growth will happen in Auckland City and Christchurch.

“The newly created Ministry of Science and Innovation will be asked to recruit a new breed of science engineers who can bring products to market within 12 months. New Zealand’s deep knowledge scientists, who have built scientific innovation in this country, will be overlooked in favour of newcomers.

“This issue is one that should be of concern to all New Zealanders,” he said.Mayor Wallace now plans to build a register of high value companies within the Wellington region likely to benefit from the contribution of manufacturing innovation through input from the Industrial Research Limited facility.