
The Government has announced that Crown Entity, Callaghan Innovation is to be disestablished.
In his State of the Nation speech today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the closure of the agency, which works to reform the science, innovation and technology system in New Zealand.
Since 2013, Callaghan Innovation has supported Kiwi innovators across their sectors through funding for R&D activity, upskilling and education.
Its most important portfolios will be moved to other entities such as a new public research organisation says Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins.
“I am incredibly proud of the contribution Callaghan Innovation has made to the science, innovation and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years,” Chief Executive Stefan Korn says.
“Callaghan Innovation staff bring deep knowledge and dedication to their work every day. First and foremost, I would like to thank our people for all that they do to foster innovation and commercialise world-class science in New Zealand.
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“I know the Callaghan Innovation team will bring that same level of professionalism to managing the wind up of the organisation and the transition to the reshaped science and innovation system the Government has announced today.”
Across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Callaghan Innovation has over 355 staff directly affected.
Korn says or financial year 2024/25, Callaghan Innovation’s budget totals $206.9 million, with $183.4 million of this from annual appropriations, and $23.5 million from other revenue.
As some functions of Callaghan Innovation will be transferred to other agencies, some of its existing staff may find roles doing the same or similar work within the reformed science, innovation and technology sector.
“It will take some months to work through the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation and change will happen at pace,” adds Korn.
“Planning is also underway to manage the smooth transfer to other agencies of those functions that the Government wants to continue. That process will begin in earnest once the Government confirms its intentions.
“In the meantime, we will work closely with our customers and keep them updated in the coming weeks and months about what this change means for them.”