Transcript Slide 1

Value of setting a national urban
research agenda
Presentation to NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities
workshop
by Sarah McDermott
7th September 2011
Relevance
Leads to research that is wanted, demand-pull, maximising benefit for NZ.
Coordinated effort to achieve impact. For this need clarity on priorities.
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What are the big issues for New Zealand? Why is this important – scale
of problem or opportunity, implications
How can we better apply research already completed - New Zealand and
internationally?
What are the research gaps and needs (topics, questions)?
What type of work should researchers be doing – discovery, tools,
communication
Special considerations: type of provider, social science aspects,
collaboration requirements, iwi/Maori dimensions, cofunding
Government investment by topic area, 2011-12
Where urban fits for MSI
Hazards and Infrastructure appropriation 2011/12 $13.5m pa
Previously $26.3m, difference into Core funding for CRIs
Approximately half of contracts are maturing in 2012:
• $2m pa hazards and tectonics
• $4m pa urban and infrastructure
Need to determine priorities for the future investment across the
appropriation:
• Sector Investment Plan for Hazards and Infrastructure
• Requests for Proposal or similar – specific research questions
Blurry boundaries with other funds – energy and minerals, environment,
and need to be aware of other funders – TEC, MoT, EQC
MSI strategic documents
Hazards and Infrastructure appropriation (Treasury)
Scope
Research and research applications to support hazard management and
improve the durability of NZ urban and rural settlements
Particular activities
• Get an effective understanding and management of risks and hazards
with the potential to have a significant economic, social and
environmental impact to New Zealand
• Improve the quality of New Zealand’s urban, peri-urban and rural
settlements
• Includes additional funding related to Christchurch earthquakes
MSI strategic documents
What does success look like? (MSI Statement of Intent)
Decisions on managing New Zealand’s environment, hazards and infrastructure at
both regional and central government level are guided by relevant, high quality
and up-to-date information, methodologies and tools.
Central and local government agencies use research to identify and plan for overthe-horizon risks and opportunities.
New Zealand has improved access to, and makes greater use of, relevant
international science, technology and expertise for domestic application and
benefit.
Annual reporting information shows increases in the levels of formal collaboration by
relevant government agencies and regional councils in the research funded by
MSI.