Crown Research Institutes
Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) were established in 1992 as Government-owned businesses with a scientific purpose. Each institute is based around a productive sector of the economy or a grouping of natural resources. The eight CRIs are:
AgResearch - A life sciences research organisation with an increasing emphasis on product development and commercialisation. Its expertise in modern biotechnologies is founded on a legacy in the biological sciences of agriculture.
Plant and Food Research - Rangahau Ahumāra Kai - A science company formed in December 2008 through the merger of HortResearch and Crop & Food Research. Provides research and development that adds value to fruit, vegetable, crop and food products.
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) - manaaki tangata taiao hoki - Provides specialist science solutions related to public health, environmental health and forensic science. Its particular capabilities are in chemical and microbiological contaminants, and surveillance of diseases and hazards.
Scion - Provides research and technology solutions to all levels of forest and wood products industries, including biomaterials science, alternative species, and plantation resources. Forest Research has recently extended its focus beyond wood to meet the growing consumer demand for renewable materials and products from plants.
Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) - Te Pū Ao - An earth systems science enterprise whose focus includes geological hazards and tectonics, environment and land use, and earth and ocean resources for economic growth.
Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) – Undertakes world-class science, development and technology commercialisation in areas of communication, information and electronic technologies, advanced materials and performance, intelligent devices and systems, biochemical technologies, energy technologies, complex measurement and analysis.
Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua - Research focuses on six areas: biodiversity and ecosystem processes; greenhouse gases and carbon storage; sustainable business and government; biosecurity and pest management; rural land use; and urban environmental management.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) - Taihoro Nukurangi - Provides a scientific basis for the sustainable management and development of New Zealand’s atmospheric, marine and freshwater systems and associated resources.
Associated organisations
Science New Zealand
This is the Crown Research Institute equivalent of the private sector industry association. Science New Zealand is run by a board consisting of the chief executive of all eight CRIs. Science New Zealand's purpose is to grow the business of respective CRIs through effective collaboration on key issues.
Crown Company Monitoring Advisory Unit (CCMAU) - Te Mata Aroturuki Rawa a te Karauna
CCMAU focuses on both the financial and non-financial performance of CRIs at quarterly intervals, and compares this performance with the targets agreed between the shareholding Ministers and boards at the start of each financial year. The website lists the accountability structure of CRIs and the legislation they operate under. It also contains brief descriptions about each CRIs and a selection of company data.