How funding is organised
The various Crown agencies and Ministries that make up the New Zealand Government are funded though a series of packages called "Votes".
Our Vote - Vote Research, Science and Technology (RS&T) - currently stands at $768 million (2010/2011 Budget) excluding GST.
The Vote is made up of a number of output expenses. An output expense is a group of outputs that deliver a common set of goods or services. The funding for each output expense is specified in the Budget each year.
The following are the output expenses in Vote RS&T:
Advanced Network Capability Building is a grant for the development of capability within the Advanced Network user group (including Tertiary Education Institutes and Crown Research Institutes) to make effective use of the Advanced Network.
Advice on shaping the science system funds negotiating, managing and monitoring contracts with the Crown's funding and investment agents and with other specific science and technology service providers, and to provide policy advice on research, science and technology. This includes investment strategies, the performance and integration of the innovation system, scientific technical advice and ministerial services. Agent: MoRST
Australian Synchrotron is a grant being New Zealand Government's contribution to the operation of a synchrotron located in Victoria, Australia.
Biological Industries Research funds research and research applications to support productivity growth and sustainability of New Zealand's primary industries, and the development of premium food and industrial biological products and technologies responsive to global consumer preferences. Agent: the Foundation.
Carter Observatory Grant funds a grant in terms of section 19 of the Carter Observatory Act 1938 (which has now been repealed).
Convention Du Metre to fund the payment of New Zealand's annual subscription to the Convention du Metre.
CRI Capability Fund is a grant to each Crown Research Institute (CRI) for maintaining and developing the capabilities of CRIs to fulfil their purpose. Agent: MoRST
Cross Agency Research funds research to assist policy development for the achievement of Government priorities. Agent: MoRST.
Energy and Minerals Research funds research and research applications to improve mineral extraction, improve energy security and to obtain efficient and affordable energy use. Agent: the Foundation.
Engaging New Zealanders with Science and Technology funds engaging New Zealanders with science and technology through approaches determined by the Minister. Agent: MoRST
Environmental Research funds research and research applications to underpin the management, protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems, land and freshwater resources, climate and atmosphere within New Zealand, including Antarctica. Agent: the Foundation.
Fellowships for Excellence encourages the career development of the country's talented early and mid-career researchers. Agents: Royal Society, Fulbright.
Genomics Research Infrastructure is a grant to contribute towards the purchase and operation of infrastructure that will support genomics research.
Global Technology Partnership funds services that provide New Zealand firms with access to information about international RS&T markets and expertise. Agent: the Foundation.
Hazards and Infrastructure Research funds research and research applications to support hazard management and improve the durability of NZ urban and rural settlements. Agent: the Foundation.
Health and Society Research funds research and research applications to improve the health and social well-being of New Zealanders. . Agent: HRC
High Value Manufacturing and Services Research funds research and research applications to develop new technologies, novel materials, and new products, processes and services for the manufacturing and technology sectors. Agent: the Foundation.
International Relationships is grants for international research relationships. Agents: MoRST, the Foundation, HRC, Royal Society
Marsden Fund funds excellent investigator-initiated research. Agent: Royal Society
Ministry of Research, Science and Development Capital Expenditure funds the purchase or development of assets by and for the use of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, as authorised by section 24(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989.
National Measurement Standards funds providing specified standards to satisfy the needs for traceable physical measurement in New Zealand. Agent: IRL
Research and Development Facilitation and Promotion Service funds the promotion of commercialisation of research and development, and facilitation of linkages between firms and research organisations. Agent: the Foundation.
Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand funds equity investment in Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand Ltd, to support the company's operations in establishing and operating the Advanced Network.
Research Contract Management funds selection of research, science and technology-related organisations and individuals for either the provision of research, science and technology outputs, or the award of grants; and to negotiate, manage and monitor appropriate contracts with those organisations or individuals. Agents: the Foundation, HRC, Royal Society, Fulbright.
Royal Society of New Zealand is an annual grant to the Royal Society of New Zealand to contribute towards the Society's aims and functions under the Royal Society of New Zealand Act 1997 to promote and advance science and technology.
Science Collections and Infrastructure provides grants to contribute to the maintenance and retention of databases, collections and significant infrastructure dedicated to research purposes. Agent: the Foundation
Vision Matauranga Capability Fund funds the development of skilled people and organisations undertaking research that supports the four themes of Vision Matauranga; indigenous innovation, environmental sustainability, health and social well being, and exploring indigenous knowledge. Agents: the Foundation, HRC.