We were fortunate to have the current Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr. Wayne Mapp, visit the studio and take a tour through what we do. The meeting was kindly organised by Tauranga MP, Simon Bridges (the rest of the country may know him from his appearances on Morning TV).

We took the minister through the wide range of product development work we do for innovative companies throughout New Zealand. It was a great opportunity to also present specific programmes that have been funded through the Technology New Zealand programme and the new Regional Partnership.

• Encircle Compression Therapy (The Merino Company) - Funded through the Transform Initiative and then subsequently funded through the technology development grants programme;
• Prolan - Lanolin Lubricants (Prolan) - Funded through Technology New Zealand to increase the operating performance range of the existing lubrication system for application to different export climates;
• Delloch - Hip Protection (Delloch) - Funded through Technology New Zealand to research, test and develop an innovative Hip Protection System for the Elderly and at risk or falls;
• Forester - Chainsaw Protection (Jaedon Enterprises) - Funded through the Transform Initiative and other programmes downstream.

There are also other programmes which have also benefitted either directly or indirectly from the funding provided through the Ministry of Science and Innovation.  We reiterated the importance of the programmes for our clients and noted the value that MSI adds was that it:

• Enables companies to get external expertise;
• Increases the scope of R&D programmes;
• Improves cashflow whilst undertaking development programmes;
• Creates an imperative for improved documentation and thought up front;
• Provides encouragement & collaboration opportunities.

Dr. Mapp also discussed what the government was doing with regard to funding and that it aspired to get the combined government/business contribution to R&D to 2% of GDP which would represent a significant increase on the under 1% it is has been. He viewed their role as that of a catalyst for business, which is great.

We discussed the gap between the role MSI provides and that of NZTE. We operate in the area which is really defined as 'Innovation'. This spans both R&D and Market development and Entry. We expressed that there needed to be greater support to bridge the gap and get better returns from the investment made at the R&D end. 

We concluded the visit by presenting Dr. Mapp a fresh pre-release copy of Michael Smythes Book 'New Zealand by Design' which is being released formally on the 21st of July. 

We would like to thanks Maree Brookes and Simon Bridges for the opportunity to have the minister at the studio and look forward to engaging with MSI further in the future.