Wayne Mapp

Wellington, Oct 28 NZPA - Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) are going to be worked over by a high-powered taskforce to find out whether they are meeting national priorities and the needs of research users.

Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp said today the taskforce would examine the purpose, governance and funding of CRIs.

"CRIs must play a central role in lifting New Zealand's economic performance," he said.

"The CRIs were established in 1992. It is now time to revisit their purpose and operation."

Dr Mapp said they were a crucial part of New Zealand's research sector.

"They must be delivering on national priorities and responding to the needs of research users, particularly industry and businesses." he said.

The chief executives of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology will be on the taskforce.

Others members are Neville Jordan, Dr Ron Sandland, Dr Rod Carr and John McKenzie.