The launch of the first research platform is an important milestone. It marks a move towards a better balance between negotiated and contestable research investments.  I will discuss this issue more directly later.  But first I turn directly to the relevance of the research platform.

The research platforms involve strong collaboration. They bring together research organisations and research users to answer the most pressing questions in specific areas.  They are intended to have long term funding, because they deal with the fundamental requirements of New Zealand.

By working collaboratively, research organisations can assemble the very best science teams to focus on strategically important areas.  GNS as the host organisation, NIWA, as the joint anchor, the Universities of Canterbury and Auckland, Massey University and Opus International Consultants as potential partners, are to be congratulated on making this concept a reality.  The Natural Hazards Research Platform is fundamental in our country.  We are specifically at risk from floods, landslips and earthquakes.

We live in a unique environment. Key sectors of our economy, particularly the primary industries and tourism, rely heavily on the sector monitoring and maintaining our environment.  It is crucial that we have a good understanding of hydrology, oceanography, and the impact of natural hazards.

It is impossible to imagine an advanced country like New Zealand not collecting hydrological records, understanding flood plains, or the risks from earthquakes and volcanoes.  This sort of knowledge building is essentially carried out by public science. That is why we have CRIs with a focus on these areas.  They lead directly into economic productivity, especially in the agricultural and aquacultural sectors.

For instance, farmers who are better able to manage the risk of floods to their properties can save stock, design farming layouts and protect pasture.  The New Zealand wine industry needs a deep understanding of climate and soil science which lies at the heart of their success. 

A critical element in this platform is making certain that research results are packaged and made available in a form and at a price that will ensure their widespread use.

It is important that those benefits are clearly defined and delivered on.  Fourteen million dollars a year over the next 10 years will firmly establish the collaborative efforts and will ensure effective science outcomes.  The medium to large timeframe of this kind of research points the way forward.

That brings me to the second point: the effectiveness of Government investment in RS&T.

There is a strong groundswell of opinion that the current level of focus on contestability in the RS&T system means we are not getting the most out of the investment being made.

At the heart of the issue is a question of balance between contestability and certainty.  We need a contestable system which enables the vigour of new people and new ideas to emerge and flourish.  But we also need stability and certainty in areas of core capability, which are expected to endure over time. 

It is now widely acknowledged that an overly contestable system can provide disincentives to collaboration and not adequately support and encourage young scientists. 

It can lead to duplication while placing longer-term capabilities at risk.  We will always need the research we are here to applaud today.  Failure to fund it in a predictable way would risk creating a sizeable gap in our knowledge base.  It would also potentially be putting the safety of New Zealanders and the security of our economy at risk.

I believe we have now turned a corner in our overly competitive system. Today's launch of the first research platform is evidence of the shift toward long term strategic funding.

I understand from the Foundation that this is a ‘pilot platform'.  It is designed to test the best way to make longer-term investments in areas of national importance. 

The new structure we are witnessing today is one of the important changes being made to get a better balance in the funding system.

GNS and NIWA are now receiving between 45 and 55 percent of their funding from longer-term sources.  All our CRIs combined receive $150 million of Vote RS&T in a manner that recognises strategic goals.   The CRI Capability Fund and the various longer-term investments, such as platforms, make 34 percent of Vote RS&T predictable over a number of years.

This year's Budget recognised the need for predictability in funding to support research planning and the maintenance and development of critical capability.  This Government has lifted the CRI Capability Fund to $60 million, which is a 20 percent increase.  By focusing specifically on that and the Marsden Fund, we are seeking improved capability in fundamental research.

Where to next?

Stability must also be based on transparency.  We need to be sure that research organisations know what the Government's priorities are and how they are being supported. 

It is now widely accepted that we need a more strategic focus in Vote RS&T, with a clearer set of priorities. This will help provide better balance between short-term and longer-term funding methods.

At the moment the funding structure is complex and inflexible.  Over the past decade, prioritisation has been achieved through adding more schemes. This has led to complexity and a lack of clarity.  It is one of the things that struck me when I became Minister and something that I am currently discussing with my Cabinet colleagues.

In short, the Natural Hazards Research Platform is a good example of how to invest in critically important research in a way that will deliver maximum benefit.

It focuses on a strategic view.  We all know how vital this research is. The National Civil Defence Emergency Management Strategy provides clear direction for the investment.

It provides stability.  The funding of $14 million per annum for an initial investment period of 10 years means the research providers can plan with certainty, recognising the responsibility and accountability that comes with it.

It involves collaboration.  The platform brings together expertise from a range of disciplines with the aim of forming the best possible collaborative research team. 

It will lead to better outcomes. The collaboration of scientists and end users will ensure that the benefits of the research are captured for New Zealand. 

I congratulate everyone involved in this long-term research programme.  I am sure all our futures will be more secure and prosperous through the work that you do.