Promoting global trade and investment
To better support and incentivise innovation for future economic growth, Callaghan Innovation will be disestablished, and its most important functions will be redistributed to other parts of the science, innovation and technology system.
3 new future-focused science organisations, formed by merging and refocusing New Zealand’s 7 Crown Research Institutes, have been in place since 1 July 2025. These organisations will concentrate on key areas of national importance to deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of New Zealand.
This White Paper marks only the beginning of the change programme of Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways. It is important that we get these changes right, so we are committed to engaging with the sector as we develop policy proposals to implement the actions in this White Paper.
Well-planned infrastructure supports the efficient and sustainable movement of people, goods, and information, and facilitates trade and investment while also improving living standards. It is an essential ingredient to enable and drive economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund, closing New Zealand’s infrastructure gap could increase real GDP by as much as 0.8 per cent in the long term.
Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways is a multi-year programme focused on the future of New Zealand’s RSI system. Through Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways, we are building a modern, future focused research system for New Zealand to meet the challenges and make the most of the opportunities ahead of us. Te Ara Paerangi signals the pathway by which we will achieve the significant additional government investment needed to achieve the goal of overall R&D expenditure of two percent of GDP by 2030.
Global trade and investment are essential for New Zealand to maximise its potential and for New Zealanders to enjoy higher incomes and better public services. New Zealand’s economy is export-oriented, with the food and fibre sectors and tourism significantly contributing to foreign currency earnings.
This Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways White Paper presents a high level vision for New Zealand’s public Research Science and Innovation (RSI) system, including key policy directions and actions, and provides a roadmap to implement the reform programme. It will function as an enduring policy reference point for the reform programme as detailed proposals are developed to deliver on the Te Ara Paerangi vision.
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