8 April 2025
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0004387
K
Email:
[FYI request #28587 email]
Dear K,
Thank you for your email of 30 September 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following
information:
“Please provide:
- A full overview and breakdown of all costs associated with the Science System Advisory Group
(SSAG), including member fees and remuneration, administrative/secretariat costs, hosting, etc.;
- All communications (email, text, phone, etc.) between the Ministry and the chair of the SSAG
Sir Peter Gluckman;
- Any and all communications to or from the Ministry regarding the SSAG’s initial report;
- A copy of all submissions received by the SSAG during phases one and two of consultation.”
On 29 October 2024 we extended the time available to respond to your request under the Act until 26
November 2024. Please accept our apology we were unable to respond by this date.
On 30 October 2024 you clarified the third part of your request to:
Regarding part three, I'm happy for you to exclude incidental/administrative communications
such as arranging meeting times and other logistics. I am specifically interested in
communications between the Minister or other officials with any of the SSAG members or
associated staff that relate to delayed or adjusted timeframes for the release of the report, the
reasons for those delays, any challenges that have arisen that may affect the release of the part-
two report and the implementation of its recommendations, and any preliminary advice,
briefings, or opinions related to the findings of the part-one report.
On 18 November you clarified the second part of the request to:
I'm happy for you to exclude incidental/administrative communications such as arranging
meeting times and other logistics. I am particularly interested in communications relating to the
membership selection process including the selection and acceptance of the chair as well as
discussion of costs associated with the SSAG, but also wish to receive any advice, policy
considerations, briefings, notes, opinions or options under consideration that fall outside of
these incidental communications.
On 26 November 2024 we logged a new OIA to respond to the part of your clarification for
“communications relating to the membership selection process including the selection and acceptance
of the chair” (ref: DOIA-REQ-0006868). We responded to that OIA on 17 January 2025.
Please find a copy of the documents relevant to your request enclosed.
A breakdown of the costs associated with the SSAG as of 29 October 2024 is enclosed in Annex One.
All communications identified in scope of parts two and three of your request after your clarifications
on 30 October and 18 November 2024 are listed in the document table in Annex Two along with MBIE’s
decision on each. A copy of the communication is enclosed in Annex Three.
Some information in these documents is withheld under the following sections of the Act:
• Section 6(a), to prevent prejudice to the international relations of the Government of New
Zealand;
• Section 9(2)(a) to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural
persons,
• Section 9(2)(ba)(i) to protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence where
the making available of the information would be likely to prejudice the supply of similar
information, or information from the same source, and it is in the public interest that such
information should continue to be supplied,
• Section 9(2)(f)(iv) to maintain the constitutional conventions for the time being which protect
the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials, and
• Section 9(2)(g)(i) to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank
expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown or members of an
organisation or officers and employees of any public service agency or organisation in the
course of their duty.
I am refusing part four of your request for submissions to the SSAG under section 18(d) as the
submissions are publicly available on the SSAG website.
As outlined in the document table, I am also refusing some of the attachments to the correspondence
under section 18(d) of the Act as the information is or will soon be publicly available. Please see the
links in the document table to those that are currently available. The remaining documents will be
proactively released on the MBIE website
, Document library | Ministry of Business, Innovation &
Employment on 9 April 2025.
I do not consider that the withholding of any information is outweighed by public interest
considerations in making the information available.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision, in
accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Lee Robinson
Policy Director, Science and Space
Labour, Science and Enterprise
Appendix One: Breakdown of Costs as provided by the Secretariat of the
Science Systems Advisory Group on 29 October 2024
Costs
Sum of Amount
Grants - Other
485,004
ACC levy
56
Accommodation Short Haul
11,897
Airfare Long Haul
18,348
Airfare Short Haul
10,343
Alloc Res Contract O/H Expense
51,804
Commission Expense
5,902
Consumable Supply&Service EXT
572
Council & Committee Member Fee
99,108
Hospitality/Events - External
3,478
Merchant Service Fees
50
Photocopy/Print Consumable EXT
15,000
Professional Salaries - Fixed
25,731
Salaries Academic - Fixed Term
26,521
Subscriptions
70
Superannuation
1,758
TMC Fee
764
Travel - Meals/Incidentals
26
Travel - Taxis
2,580
Grand Total
210,996
Document schedule
Documents in scope and decisions as to release
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
26
Email - Background to the SIT system for the Science System
9(2)(a)
1
Mar
Advisory Group v2.docx [UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
Attachment - Background to the SIT system for the Science
18(d) to be released on-9 April
1a
2025
26
Email - Peter Gluckman acceptance
9(2)(a)
2
Mar
2024
26
Attachment Peter Gluckman acceptance-attachment-
Released in full
2a
Mar
scan_pglu005_2024-03-26-12-22-59
2024
3
26
Email - Cabinet Paper [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE EXTERNAL]
9(2)(a)
Mar
2024
Attachment - Cabinet Paper-Appendix two - University Advisory
18(d)
Group Terms of Reference
3a
https://www.tec.govt.nz/assets/Publications-and-others/University-
Advisory-Group-Terms-of-Reference.pdf
Attachment - Cabinet Paper-Appendix one - Science System
18(d)
Advisory Group Terms of Reference
3b
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/28134-terms-of-reference-
science-skills-advisory-group
Attachment - Cabinet Paper-Science System Advisory Group and the
18(d)
University Advisory Group:
3c
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/28379-the-science-system-
advisory-group-and-the-university-advisory-group-proactiverelease-
pdf
1 Apr
Email - Re: Background to the SIT system for the Science System
9(2)(a)
4
2024
Advisory Group v2.docx [UNCLASSIFIED]
2 Apr
Email - RE: Suggested advisor for SSAG [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
5
2024
5 Apr
MBIE documents for the SSAG: Background to the SI&T system
9(2)(a)
6
2024
(SSAG-MBIE-001), Business R&D (SSAGMBIE-002), Callaghan
Innovation (SSAG-MBIE-003)
Attachment - SSAG-MBIE-001 Background to New Zealand's
18(d) – 9 April 2025
6a
Science, Innovation and Technology system
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
6b
06b SSAG-MBIE-002 Business R&D in New Zealand
18(d) – 9 April 2025
06c SSAG-MBIE-003 History and current state of Callaghan
18(d) – 9 April 2025
6c
Innovation
11
MBIE documents for the SSAG: Crown Research Institutes (SSAG-
Released in full
7
Apr
MBIE-004 to SSAG-MBIE-007)
2024
07a SSAG-MBIE-004 Data on Research vs Administrative Staff in NZ
18(d) – 9 April 2025
7a
Research Organisations
7b
07b SSAG-MBIE-005 Introduction to the Crown Research Institutes
18(d) – 9 April 2025
07c SSAG-MBIE-006 Models for Government owned research
18(d) – 9 April 2025
7c
organisations - cross-country scan
07d SSAG-MBIE-007 Refocussing and consolidating CRIs – policy
18(d) – 9 April 2025
7d
considerations
8
12
Re: MBIE documents for the SSAG: Crown Research Institutes
Released in full
Apr
(SSAG-MBIE-004 to SSAG-MBIE-007)
2024
9
18
Re: SSAG Meeting #3 - Wednesday 17 April - 0900 - 1000 NZT -
9(2)(a), 9(2)(g)(i)
Apr
Follow up
2024
10
24
MBIE documents for the SSAG: advanced technology and innovation
Released in full
Apr
(SSAG-MBIE 009 to 012 and 014) [UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
10
18(d) – 9 April 2025
SSAG-MBIE-009 Overview of government supports
a
10
SSAG-MBIE-010 Overview of commercialisation of research from
18(d) – 9 April 2025
b
Public Research Organisations
10
SSAG-MBIE-012 - International models of technology research
18(d) – 9 April 2025
c
ecosystems
10
SSAG-MBIE-014 Information on research spend by other
18(d) – 9 April 2025
d
government agencies
10
18(d) – 9 April 2025
SSAG-MBIE-011 - Technology research landscape in New Zealand
e
11
29
Re: Antarctica withing SSAG scope?
9(2)(a)
Apr
9(2)(f)(iv)
2024
12
1 May
Re: Callaghan Info and PM Note [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
9(2)(a)
2024
EXTERNAL]
12
Science Innovation and Economic Development
Released in full
a
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
12
Strategic Decision - How Did We Get Here
9(2)(ba)(i) – withheld in full
b
13
1 May
Re: Callaghan Info and PM Note [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
9(2)(a)
2024
EXTERNAL]
14
1-2
Re: Callaghan Info and PM Note [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
9(2)(a)
May
EXTERNAL]
2024
15
14
In advance of our meeting
9(2)(a)
May
2024
15
Released in full
SSAG outline report
a
16
14
Fwd: NZ innovation system
Withheld in full under section
May
9(2)(ba)(i)
2024
17
14
Feedback sought: weather review and eResearch [UNCLASSIFIED]
Release in full
May
2024
17
FW_ Notes from phone call re eResearch settings [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
a
17
Weather Forecasting Review (WFR) - Meeting with Dr Gluckman
9(2)(a)
b
18
15
Feedback sought: weather review and eResearch [UNCLASSIFIED]
Released in full
May
2024
18
Weather Forecasting Review - final 6.5.24
18(d)
a
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/29613-weather-forecasting-
system-review-final-report-pdf
19
16
RE: Feedback sought: weather review and eResearch
Released in full
May
[UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
20
16
Re: Timeline for SSAG and Advice [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a) 9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
May
2024
21
19
FW: Old scopus data
9(2)(a)
May
2024
21
Innovation slides 270812
Released in full
a
21
Slide summary DUBLIN_graph_V1.0
Released in full
b
21
Slides_Wellington_workshop[3]
Released in full
c
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
22
19
FW: Various sets of old slides that are relevant
9(2)(a)
May
2024
22
BNZ CE Forum
Released in full
a
22
Lifting BERD presentation - PDG 190617[2]
Released in full
b
22
ANZ slides
Released in full
c
22
BERD-HERD
Released in full
d
23
19
FW: Various sets of old slides that are relevant
9(2)(a)
May
2024
24
20
RE: Feedback sought: weather review and eResearch
9(2)(a)
May
[UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
25
18
Re: FW: Notes from phone call re eResearch settings
9(2)(a)
Apr -
[UNCLASSIFIED]
20
25
A model for NZ
Released in full
May
a
2024
26
21
Older advice PM Sci advisory council [UNCLASSIFIED]
Released in full
May
2024
26
Innovation councils Oct 2021
Released in full
a
26
Provided to SPG_earlier thinking advisory council May 24.pptx
Released in full
b
27
21
Re: Older advice PM Sci advisory council [UNCLASSIFIED]
Released in full
May
2024
28
23
Re: Early draft - initial reactions briefing [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
May
2024
29
24
MBIE documents for the SSAG: advanced technology, innovation,
Released in full
May
universities, innovation councils. (SSAGMBIE 013 and SSAG-MBIE
2024
015 to 018) [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-EXTERNAL]
29
29a SSAG-MBIE-015 - The role of universities in the science,
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
a
innovation, and technology system
29
29b SSAG-MBIE-016 International Scan of Government Initiatives to
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
b
Encourage the Commercial Application of Research from Public
Research Organisations
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
29
29c SSAG-MBIE-017 - Government functions that support innovation
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
c
in New Zealand and peer countries
29
29d SSAG-MBIE-018 - International examples of science, innovation
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
d
and technology councils
29
29e SSAG-MBIE-013 - Options for an Advanced Technology
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
e
Initiative
29
29f SSAG-MBIE SI&T updated data pack
18(d) – 9 Apr 2025
f
30
26
Re: MBIE documents for the SSAG: advanced technology,
9(2)(a)
May
innovation, universities, innovation councils. (SSAG-MBIE 013 and
2024
SSAG-MBIE 015 to 018) [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-EXTERNAL]
31
26
Two old Gluckman papers which are highly relevant
9(2)(a)
May
2024
31
31a Which-science-to-fund-time-to-review-peer-review copy
Released in full
a
31
31b PM -STAC_ final copy
Released in full
b
32
28
Fwd: English version of French AI Report
9(2)(a)
May
2024
32
32a 54eefd62c084d66c373a8db1eefaeed88a21b010
18(d)
a
https://www.info.gouv.fr/upload/media/content/0001/09/02cbcb40c35
41390be391feb3d963a4126b12598.pdf
33
29
FW: NZ innovation system - in confidence
9(2)(a), 9(2)(ba)(i), 9(2)(g)(i))
May
2024
33
33a NZTE and Innovation Ecosystem V2
(9)(2)(g)(i)
a
34
30
AI , ATI and research enterprise
9(2)(a)
May
2024
34
34a science-in-the-age-of-ai-report
18(d)
a
https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/science-in-the-age-
of-ai/
35
4 Jun
Interesting
9(2)(a)
2024
36
4 Jun
Re: Min Collins / SSAG advice
9(2)(a)
2024
37
5 Jun
Re: Min Collins / SSAG advice - confidential
9(2)(a)
2024
37
37a SSAG Architecture Decisions - MBIE Advice[48]
9(2)(f)(iv)
a
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
38
5 Jun
Re: Min Collins/SSAG advice- confidential
9(2)(a), s 9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
2024
39
7 Jun
MBIE documents for the SSAG: NZ research activity, structures
Released in full
2024
enabling funding decisions, multinational investment and innovation
functions. (SSAG-MBIE 019 to 022) [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
EXTERNAL]
39a SSAG-MBIE-019 Overview of areas of New Zealands research
18(d) – 9 April 2025
activity
39b SSAG-MBIE-020 Structures enabling funding decisions – An
18(d) – 9 April 2025
international scan
39c SSAG-MBIE-022 Innovation Functions in New Zealand
18(d) – 9 April 2025
39d SSAG-MBIE-021 Attracting Multinational Corporate Activity
18(d) – 9 April 2025
40
8 Jun
The role of key opinion leader scientists in attracting MNCs
9(2)(a)
2024
40a SCI2 - NZ -The role of key opinion leaders (002)
Released in full
40b attachment 2 enhancing BERD copy
Released in full
41
13
MBIE documents for the SSAG: Maori New Zealanders and the SIT
Released in full
Jun
system (SSAG-MBIE-025 and SSAGMBIE-026) [IN-CONFIDENCE:
2023
RELEASE-EXTERNAL]
41a SSAG-MBIE-025 and SSAG-MBIE-026 SI&T and Maori New
18(d) – 9 April 2025
Zealanders
41b Annex 1 vision-matauranga-booklet
18(d)
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/3109-vision-matauranga-
booklet-pdf
41c Annex 2 Maori SI&T data
18(d) – 9 April 2025
42
15
FW: Tech incubator equity positions - 1 min read
9(2)(a)
Jun
2024
42a Callaghan Innovation - TechInc - equity
Released in full
43
18
Figure
9(2)(a)
Jun
2024
43a SSAG model_draft
9(2)(f)(iv)
44
20
Roles & Responsibilities [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a), 9(2)(g)(i)
Jun
2024
44a Early thinking on division of responsibilities
Released in full
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
44b Before and After SIT system structure
Released in full
45
20
Re: Roles & Responsibilities [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a), 9(2)(g)(i)
Jun
2024
46
23
Please circulate to SSAG and UAG
9(2)(a)
Jun
2024
46a 60_-_rise-value_of_research-june15_1
18(d)
24
https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/60_-_rise-
Jun
value_of_research-june15_1.pdf
2024
47
FW: Advisory council [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
47a Document2
Released in full
48
24
Revised slide
9(2)(a)
Jun
2024
48a PDGBefore and After SIT system structure
Released in full
49
24
Draft Cab paper recommendations
Released in full
Jun
2024
49a SSAG - Minister's Meeting - Lee's notes_17 Ju
9(2)(f)(iv)
50
1 Jul
Re: A rewrite of the innovation section of tehdraft report
9(2)(a),
2024
[UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(f)(iv) 9(2)(g)(i)
51
2 Jul
Re: SSAG report recommendations and executive summary
9(2)(a)
2024
9(2)(ba)(i)
9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
52
2 Jul
Re: SSAG report recommendations and executive summary
9(2)(a)
2024
9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
53
4 Jul
Re: FINAL SSAG version [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
9(2)(a)
2024
EXTERNAL]
54
16 Jul
Re: Full SSAG report
9(2)(a), 9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
2024
55
16 Jul
Re: SSAG Report - MBIE thoughts [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a), 9(2)(f)(iv), 9(2)(g)(i)
2024
56
18 Jul
Re: Latest version
9(2)(a)
2024
57
18 Jul
FINAL SSAG INTERIM REPORT SENSITIVE
9(2)(a)
2024
57a PDG APPROVED FINAL SSAG VERSION
18(d)
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
58
18 Jul
Re: FINAL SSAG INTERIM REPORT SENSITIVE
9(2)(a)
2024
59
19 Jul
RE: Report in ministers hands [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
2024
60
19 Jul
Re: Full SSAG report
9(2)(a)
2024
61
13
FW: Article attached ... Merging of Crown Research Institutes on the
Released in full
Aug
cards [UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
62
19
PRONZ
9(2)(a)
Aug
2024
63a 2324-0701_Options_for_CRI_consolidation_revise
18(d) – 9 April 2025
63
16
PRO advice
9(2)(g)(i)
Aug
2024
63a 63a 2324-0701_Options_for_CRI_consolidation_revise
18(d) – 9 April 2025
64
19
Possible SSAG topics [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a)
Aug
2024
64a Possible SSAG forward topics
withheld in full 9(2)(f)(iv)
65
1 Sep
Draft transition note on SSAG
9(2)(a)
2024
65a transition note 1 sept
withheld in full 9(2)(f)(iv)
66
2 Sep
Re: Availability to speak to team developing innovation system
9(2)(a)
2024
advice? [UNCLASSIFIED]
67
2 Sep
RE: Draft transition note on SSAG [IN-CONFIDENCE: RELEASE-
9(2)(a)
2024
EXTERNAL]
68
3 Sep
Transition report; SSAG CONFIDENTIAL
9(2)(a)
2024
68a confidential Transition SSAG Min Collins
withheld in full 9(2)(f)(iv)
4 Sep
9(2)(a)
69
Draft international science note to PM and Minister
2024
70
10
Re: Short term directions for science investment [UNCLASSIFIED]
9(2)(a), 9(2)(f)(iv)
Sep
9(2)(g)(i)
2024
#
Date
Description
Information Withheld
71
12
International letter
9(2)(a)
Sep
2024
72
12
Science Changes - Objectives and Benefits 12-Sept.docx
9(2)(a)
Sep
[UNCLASSIFIED]
2024
72a Science Changes - Objectives and Benefits 12-
Released in full
73
13
Note on International Science for the PM and Minister Collins
9(2)(a)
Sep
2024
73a _SSAG_international_science_note
9(2)(ba)(i)
74
19
SSAG - meeting with PM
Withheld in full under section
Sep
9(2)(g)(i)
2024
75
29
There are some gems in the attached
9(2)(a)
Sep
2024
75a 37-42-Wang-Innovation-Education-Regional-Growth-Winter-
18(d)
2024
https://issues.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/37-42-Wang-
Innovation-Education-Regional-Growth-Winter-2024.pdf
Appendix Three: Copies of documents
Attached separately
