David SHEARER

Research, Science, Technology Spokesperson

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

MEDIA STATEMENT

Government Shows No Commitment to Science

The decision by Crown Research Institute NIWA to cut 35 jobs, most of them front line scientists, demonstrates the National Government’s fixation of stripping the public service to the bone, Labour Research, Science and Technology Spokesperson David Shearer said.

“Environmental scientists, marine biologists and molecular scientists are amongst those whose positions are under review. We need to keep these people in New Zealand,” David Shearer said.

“Last year Research Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp cut over 30 scientists and technicians at AgResearch and slashed a further dozen scientists at Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

“The National Government is lacking any kind of vision for the future of science in New Zealand. Under a National Government scientists will simply head overseas if their skill and talents are not utilised here.

“Many of the scientists in the latest cuts are experts on oceans. New Zealand has the fifth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world at 6.7 million square kilometres, it is 25 times our land size.

“There are many countries that envy our ocean resources both in the sea and on the seabed. We need to protect and make best use of them. National should value scientists rather than making arbitrary cuts that will simply see our best and brightest heading overseas”, David Shearer said.

ENDS

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