Since the 1st July 2025, six of New Zealand’s Crown Research Institutes are merging into four Public Research Organisations (PROs). The PROs will continue to operate as Crown entity companies but with renewed focus on key areas of national importance. Together, the four PROs provide science-based solutions to environmental and economic challenges, while bringing more connection, innovation, and commercial focus to the science sector. Science New Zealand represents the four PROs.
New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science – Maiangi Taiao
The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion. This PRO will foster a growing economy and a healthy environment through advancements in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biosecurity, and biotechnology.
Bioeconomy Science Institute General Queries
AgResearch Group
AgResearch’s business is research and development to help maximise the performance of the agriculture and biotechnology sectors. Their science capability ranges from farm systems to climate change mitigation and adaptation, to pest control and high value foods.
Contact
Greg Ford – External Communications Manager
Phone: +64 3 325 9980
Email: greg.ford@agresearch.co.nz
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group
Manaaki Whenua’s research focuses on four areas of impact: restoring biodiversity and beating invasive species; enhancing soils, water and ecosystems; action on climate change; and supporting improved decision-making in matters of the natural environment across rural, conservation and urban landscapes.
Contact
Dan Park – Principal Communications Advisor
Phone: +64 3 321 9807 ; Mobile: +64 22 411 5095
Email: ParkDJ@landcareresearch.co.nz
Plant & Food Research Group
Plant & Food Research provides research and development that adds value to fruit, vegetable, crop and food products. With over 900 people based at sites across New Zealand, as well as in the USA and Australia, Plant & Food Research undertakes science to support the sustainable production of high quality plant and marine-based food products, as well as developing new and novel functional foods that offer benefits to human health and wellbeing.
Contact
Emma Timewell – Communications Manager
Phone: +64 9 925 8692 ; Mobile: +64 21 2429365
Email: emma.timewell@plantandfood.co.nz
Scion Group
Scion provides the next generation of biomaterials technology, research & development services. Widely recognised as a leader in forestry science since its beginnings as New Zealand Forest Research Institute in 1947, Scion has expanded its research capabilities to meet the growing demand for materials and products made from a variety of renewable plant resources.
Contact
Justine McLeary – Communications and Media Lead
DDI: +64 7 343 5316 ; Mobile: +64 022 402 3526
Email: justine.mcleary@scionresearch.com
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
New Zealand Institute for Earth Science
Earth Sciences New Zealand merges the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), with NIWA acquiring MetService. This PRO will drive economic growth and environmental sustainability by increasing returns from New Zealand’s natural resources, supporting energy security, and building resilience to natural hazards and climate-related risks.
Earth Sciences New Zealand General Queries
GNS Science
GNS Science provides research and consultancy in earth sciences and isotope technologies. It produces social, economic, and environmental benefits for New Zealand from its knowledge of natural processes occurring in the Earth’s crust.
Contact
GNS Communications
Phone: +64 21 574 541
Email: media@gns.cri.nz
NIWA
NIWA provides a scientific basis for the sustainable management and development of New Zealand’s atmospheric, marine and freshwater systems and associated resources.
Contact
Sarah Fraser – National Manager for Communications
Phone: +64 7 856 1790 ; Mobile: +64 21 609 703
Email: Sarah.Fraser@niwa.co.nz
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
PHF Science re-purposes the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) to foster prosperity and growth for New Zealand’s people and communities. This PRO will focus on strengthening public health and safety by monitoring disease, ensuring food and water safety, reducing drug harm, and supporting the justice system.
Contact
Media Enquiries
Email: media@phfscience.nz
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology was announced as the fourth PRO and will be fundamental in growing a high-tech, high-value economy. Currently developing within the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), this PRO will accelerate economic growth with investments in three science platforms: Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
As part of these mergers, Callaghan Innovation – Te Pokapū Auaha is being disestablished. Operations are transferring to MBIE, the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Earth Sciences New Zealand, and the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….