Letter to ministers regarding research position job cuts at NIWA

^{Photo: Sophie Mormede}

The Commissioner has written to the ministers for environment, climate change and conservation to express his concerns at the potential significant negative impact that recent job cuts at the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) may have on their respective portfolios.

These cuts threaten New Zealand’s ability to conduct essential, highly specialised research crucial for environmental management, biosecurity and understanding climate risks. The Commissioner is urging the ministers to ensure better integration of long-term environmental research goals in funding decisions.