Public Research Organisations
3 new future-focused science organisations, formed by merging and refocusing New Zealand’s 7 Crown Research Institutes, have been in place since 1 July 2025. These organisations will concentrate on key areas of national importance to deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of New Zealand.
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The new institutions will continue as Crown entity companies, but with a strengthened ability to focus on delivering economic benefits to New Zealand. Legislation to officially convert the Crown Research Institutes into Public Research Organisations (PROs) will be introduced to Parliament later this year.
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) will focus on accelerating economic growth through cutting-edge science and innovation. It is currently being incubated within MBIE and once established, will operate from a central hub in Auckland with a network of strategic research investments around the country in partnership with universities, industry and research institutions.
Further information regarding NZIAT’s investments and application rounds:
New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science
Formed by bringing together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion, this PRO will focus on fostering economic growth and environmental prosperity; advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology, and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products.
Interim statement of core purpose for the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science [PDF 89KB]
Read the biographies of the board members and leadership team:
Bioeconomy Science Institute Leadership and Board of Directors(external link) — Bioeconomy Science Institute
New Zealand Institute for Earth Science
Formed by bringing together the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science), and noting Cabinet’s decision for NIWA to acquire MetService as a wholly owned subsidiary, this PRO will focus on supporting energy security and sustainability, developing land, marine and mineral resources, and improving resilience to natural hazards and climate-related risks.
Read the biographies of the board members and leadership team:
Leadership(external link) — Earth Sciences New Zealand
New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
Formed by re-purposing the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). This PRO will focus on strengthening public health through disease detection and response; and supporting public safety through forensic science services.
Read the biographies of the board members and leadership team:
Our people(external link) — PHF Science
Governance of CRIs/PROs
The CRIs/PROs have 2 shareholding ministers who act to protect the Crown’s investment in CRIs/PROs, these are:
Minister of Science and Innovation(external link) — beehive.govt.nz
Minister of Finance(external link) — beehive.govt.nz
The governance structure for all CRIs/PROs is the same — shareholding ministers appoint CRI/PRO boards of directors, who in turn appoint the chief executive in accordance with the Companies Act and the constitutions of each CRI/PRO.
Our relationship with CRIs/PROs
Our ownership and performance role is to monitor the Government’s investment in CRIs/PROs.
As part of this role we:
- provide strategic ownership advice to the shareholding ministers on the financial and non-financial performance of the CRIs/PROs
- work with CRIs/PROs to ensure they can deliver optimal outcomes for New Zealand
- help appoint directors to CRI/PRO boards.
The document 'Monitoring arrangements for MBIE-monitored Crown entities' outlines the accountability and performance framework in which CRIs/PROs operate. Particular information relating to CRIs/PROs is included in Annex 7: