40572 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology

40572 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology: What consultation, if any, occurred with iwi or kaupapa Māori organisations in the development of criteria for accepting proposals under the Transition Research Fund?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised that officials undertook limited consultation with iwi or kaupapa Māori organisations during the development of the criteria for accepting proposals under the Transition Research Fund. On 15 May 2026, officials engaged with stakeholder representatives from universities, Public Research Organisations, wānanga, and the Independent Research Association of New Zealand. Feedback was sought on the purpose of funding mechanisms, grant size and duration, approaches to impact assessment, and application volume controls. A representative from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa participated in this engagement.