Role
2018-2024
The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor (PMCSA), Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua ki te Pirimia, has a broad role. The central focus is advising the Prime Minister about how science can inform good decision making in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The PMCSA:
- provides strategic advice across sectors, and does not seek to influence operational or funding matters within the science system;
- serves as an accessible conduit between the science community and government;
- provides advice on specific topics, to the Prime Minister or other Ministers;
- plays a role in raising the profile of science in Aotearoa New Zealand;
- assists in making science more accessible to the public; and
- builds relationships internationally with science advisors and international thought leaders.
The PMCSA is independent and not an employee of the Government. This enables the freedom to speak out on important issues.
The PMCSA commits to scrupulous management of conflicts, resigns from all board appointments and leadership roles, and does not apply for research funding in New Zealand during their term.
Advice
The OPMCSA has a small team that provides science-based evidence to the Prime Minister to inform the programme of government. The OPMCSA may also assist Cabinet Ministers with requests for science advice.
Formal advice
This can be provided in three different ways:
- In response to an informal, sometimes confidential, request – in person, directly to the PM and/or Ministers.
- In response to a request from the PM and/or Ministers – a formal letter containing a quick scan of the relevant literature on a topic of interest. The letter is a way to quickly provide advice and scope an issue for possible future comprehensive research.
- A full and comprehensive report. This will generally become publicly available and could be:
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- Initiated by the PMCSA with agreement from the PM
- Initiated by the PM as part of the core work plan
- Commissioned as a separate project by a Minister
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Informal Advice
In addition, there are often ‘hot topics’ that emerge due to a rapidly changing research landscape and/or particular public interest. The office keeps a watching brief on these topics and produces information summaries for the public. These are normally uploaded to the website after prior distribution to the Prime Minister and relevant Ministers, on a no surprises basis.
Last edited: 30 June 2024.