The Government’s Science Investment Plan, Budget 2026 and Science Funding in New Zealand w/ Professor Richard Easther : 23 June, 2026

Scientists in New Zealand have faced increased cuts to science funding in the last few years, with the removal of the Marsden fund for blue-sky research and further cuts announced in this year's budget, with a greater emphasis placed on research commercialisation and funds controlled by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise. 

I spoke with Professor Richard Easther, head of the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, about what impact the current government’s policies have had on science and what this means for the future of science in New Zealand.