23 DECEMBER 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Christmas will be a time for family and friends to come together and reflect on their shared values, and love for each
other. It is also a time to reflect on the year past and to think of the coming year.
There is no doubt that this year has been challenging for the nation.
The men and women of the Defence Force had to deal with our first combat loss in Afghanistan. There was also the loss of
the crew in the ANZAC day crash of the Iroquois helicopter and in the CT4 Air Trainer crash. The loss of 5 young people
will be sorely felt by their own families, and by the wider Defence family.
This year has seen the bedding in of fundamental reform in both my portfolio responsibilities. There will be a lot more
work to do in 2011.
The Defence White Paper provides a clear path for our military, planning ahead for the New Zealand Defence Force’s needs
in the coming decades.
Science and Innovation are central to the Government’s economic agenda. The changes that have been made in the last two
years will simplify and streamline the science system. Crown Research Institutes have a key role in driving our economic
growth and the changes brought about by the Task Force report ensure they have clear missions and are properly funded.
In 2011 the new Ministry of Science and Innovation will lead a strong, well-integrated science and innovation system
that will improve our economic performance.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great summer break.
Hon Dr Wayne Mapp
MP North Shore