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An independent expert panel has been appointed to review the provision of defence science and technology support in New Zealand, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp announced today.

“Expert advice on scientific and technological issues in defence is essential for the Defence Force to perform the tasks expected of it,” Dr Mapp said.

“The Defence White Paper identified the need for a comprehensive external review of the Defence Technology Agency and the provision of defence science and technology outcomes for New Zealand.

In a major policy speech to Massey University’s Centre for Defence Studies in May 2009, I set out three reasons why the Government went into the 2008 general election promising a major review of Defence.

First, we needed to more clearly understand how defence contributed to our security, both within our region and in respect of advancing our interests in the wider international context.

North Shore MP Wayne Mapp has announced his decision not to stand for Parliament in the 2011 election.

“I have been privileged to serve as the Member for North Shore since 1996, and more recently, to serve in the Cabinet under Prime Minister John Key.

“I am leaving for personal and family reasons. I will have been a Member of Parliament for 15 years and have always endeavoured to be an effective Member for the North Shore electorate.

Auckland apparel company Pacific Brands Holdings (NZ) Ltd has won a new five-year contract to supply clothing and personnel support items to the New Zealand Defence Force.

“This is the best possible value for money for the Defence Force and the taxpayer,” Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said, announcing the selection of the company, which trades as Yakka Apparel Solutions (YASL).

“Ensuring Defence Force people have the right equipment to get the job done wherever they are is a top priority.

The science and innovation system in New Zealand will be invigorated by the Research, Science and Technology Bill passed in Parliament today, says Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp.

The Bill amalgamates the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology into the new Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI).

“This new Ministry will perform a vital role in our economic growth,” Dr Mapp said.

In May this year, the Government announced a significant funding boost for business research and development (R&D). $234m over four years was set aside in new money for several initiatives.

All this was done with a view to grow New Zealand’s economy through science and innovation.

It is very clear to us that New Zealand can only be a player on the world stage if we know how to outsmart the competition.

The Government is spending $92 million over three years on business R&D through the new Technology Development Grant programme.

Announcing grants to 26 companies nation-wide in Christchurch today, Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp said that lifting high-tech export business is critical to New Zealand’s future.

Auckland-based produce company Fresh Direct Ltd has been awarded the first of the Government’s new Technology Transfer Vouchers, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp announced today.

Fresh Direct will use the $190,000 investment to work with Industrial Research Ltd to develop a new portable machine that will help process vegetables on the farm.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has expressed the Government’s deepest condolences to the family of the New Zealander killed in Afghanistan while serving in the British Army.

“It takes great courage to serve in Afghanistan. Every service person, whether in the New Zealand Defence Force or a similar service such as the British, knows they risk death or injury. They do so because they wish to serve their country and to protect us from terrorism.

 I welcome this timely visit of the OECD to New Zealand.  Over the last two years we have made the most significant fundamental changes that New Zealand’s science and innovation systems have seen in the last 20 years.  These changes, although important, are only steps in a continuous journey of improvement.

The OECD has provided invaluable information and input around best practice in science and innovation policy.

In June I met the OECD’s Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Economist, Pier Carlo Padoan. 

Chief of Army Major General Rhys Jones has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Force. He will be promoted to Lieutenant General and take over from Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae on 24 January next year.

“Major General Jones is an experienced and highly-respected officer. He has played a key role in developing the Defence White Paper, which will be implemented during his term.

Wayne Mapp is travelling to the United States this week for top-level talks in both his portfolio areas of Defence and Research, Science and Technology.

“As the Wellington Declaration makes clear, New Zealand and the US have a close relationship. This visit is an opportunity to build and expand that relationship in both defence and science,” Dr Mapp said today.

This morning marks a significant step forward in New Zealand’s medical and research infrastructure. This new 3T Skyra MRI scanner is the most advanced machine of its type in Australasia. 

The capabilities provided by this machine will have very real benefits for our people. Babies throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific that are born with significant heart defects will be scanned by this machine. Adult heart patients will also benefit. The information it will provide is a quantum step up on what has been achievable before.

Science and technology ties between New Zealand and France have been reinforced with the re-signing of the Dumont d'Urville programme, says Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp.

I would acknowledge the organisers of the official launch of the CleanTech centre. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this event, and to speak today.

Statements of core purpose for Crown research institutes released today set out a clear and explicit role for each one, says Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp.

New Zealand invention the Martin Jetpack is one of Time magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2010, published in the latest issue.

Professor Warren Tate of the University of Otago is this year's winner of the Rutherford Medal.

Twenty-three primary and secondary teachers have been awarded New Zealand Science, Mathematics and Technology Teacher Fellowships for 2011.

I want to acknowledge the role of He Waka Tāngata and the Oxygen Group in organising the Running Hot Conference and helping develop a connected and interdisciplinary research culture in New Zealan

The Defence White Paper launched by the Prime Minister today sets out the Government's plan for a modern Defence Force to meet our security needs for the next 25 years, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp

1.            What is the Defence White Paper?

High-quality science and research expertise is now within reach for more Kiwi businesses, says Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp.