The government’s newly established Bioeconomy Science Institute is slashing 134 jobs, just shy of its first anniversary.
This follows the elimination of 152 jobs during the institute’s formation, which merged AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion into one entity.
Launched in July, the institute began with a workforce of 2,300.
Public Service Association (PSA) national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons accused the government of squandering scientists’ talent, who could be key drivers of economic growth.
“This is just more of the same from a government determined to shed talented people across the public sector regardless of the consequences.”
Fitzsimons warned that the cuts would doom the organisation to failure.
“New Zealand deserves and needs this organisation to contribute to economic growth, innovation, and our response to climate change.”
Fitzsimons added that the cuts would do nothing to boost the country’s productivity.
“The government’s own science system advisory group had warned them that the lack of investment in science, innovation and technology is playing a role in our sluggish productivity.”