Bringing together these four CRIs into a single organisation reflects the importance to Aotearoa New Zealand of the biological economy, including the food and fibre sector and the environment in which it operates.
AgResearch’s senior management and directors remain committed to ensuring the wellbeing of staff and the delivery of high-quality science throughout the transition period. AgResearch will work alongside its partners and customers to ensure minimal disruption to research projects.
Key changes are anticipated to take place throughout 2025 and 2026. More information can be found on the MBIE website(external link).
In response to the Government announcement, AgResearch chief executive Sue Bidrose said it was pleasing to have this certainty after years of debate and discussion about the structure of the science sector.
“In addressing the structure of the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), we are optimistic about how other challenges facing the sector can also be addressed.”
“The strong ties we already have with the other bioeconomy CRIs puts us in a good position as we chart the path ahead to a merger. In the months ahead, we’ll be focused on working with those other CRIs, the government and our industry partners to make the transition to the new entity as smooth as possible.”
“At the same time, we will be supporting our people to continue the important work they do, ensure we keep the momentum and build on that research into the new era for CRIs.”
“We will work through what the merger means for our teams and individual roles as we get more detail about the process ahead.”
Core purpose of the four CRIs
- AgResearch’s purpose is to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research’s purpose is to drive innovation in New Zealand’s management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources to both protect and enhance the terrestrial environment and grow New Zealand’s prosperity.
- Plant & Food Research’s purpose is to enhance the value and productivity of New Zealand’s horticultural, arable, seafood and food and beverage industries to contribute to economic growth and the environmental and social prosperity of New Zealand.
- Scion’s purpose is to drive innovation and growth from New Zealand’s forestry, wood product and wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors, to create economic value and contribute to beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.
