General Introduction
The Government is establishing a New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre ("Centre") to promote, coordinate and deliver food safety science and research for New Zealand.
The establishment of the Centre represents an increase in the funding available for food safety science and research, and will ensure that the New Zealand food safety system remains among the best in the world.
The Government invites expressions of interest from
New Zealand-based research organisations to participate in a collaborative workshop ("Workshop") where the structure, governance and functions of the Centre will be refined.
A detailed Request for Proposals (RfP) for the hosting of the Centre will be released following the Workshop.
This RfP will be limited to the research organisations selected to attend the Workshop.
The Science Board will make the final funding decision on the Centre following this RfP.
1. Notice to the Science Board
In this notice, I:
(a) specify that the Science Board is to select research organisations to participate in the Workshop under section 10(3)(b) of the Research, Science and Technology Act 2010 ("Act");
(b) set the criteria the Science Board must use when selecting research organisations to participate in the Workshop under section 8(1) of the Act; and
(c) specify that the final funding decision on the Centre will made by the Science Board, and will be limited to the research organisations selected to participate in the Workshop under section 10(3)(b) of the Act.
2. General Policy Objective of the Centre
The Centre will be established to ensure:
(a) the delivery of excellent food safety science and research, to minimise the risks of foodborne illness and maximise economic growth opportunities;
(b) an increased level of food safety knowledge
and capability across the science sector, industry and Government;
(c) the provision of cutting-edge food safety outputs to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner; and
(d) national and international visibility, reputation and credibility for New Zealand food safety science
and research.
3. Vision Matauranga Policy
The Vision Matauranga policy aims to unlock the science and innovation potential of Maori knowledge, resources and people for the benefit of New Zealand. It focuses on four themes:
(a) Indigenous Innovation - contributing to economic growth through distinctive science and innovation;
(b) Taiao/Environment - achieving environmental sustainability through iwi and hapu relationships with land and sea;
(c) Hauora/Health - improving health and social wellbeing; and
(d) Matauranga - exploring indigenous knowledge and science and innovation.
4. Eligibility Criteria for Expressions of Interest
To be assessed against the criteria in Clause 5 an expression of interest must:
(a) be submitted by a New Zealand-based research organisation, or a legal entity representing such
an organisation, whose primary business function and activity is the provision of science and technology services and expertise (this organisation may be a Crown Research Institute, a Tertiary Education Institute or an independent research organisation); and
(b) meet any applicable timing, formatting, system or other similar administrative requirements imposed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in supplying administrative services to the Science Board under section 10(7) of the Act.
5. Assessment Criteria for Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest will be assessed according to the following criteria:
(a) To what extent does the applicant have:
(i) a thorough understanding of food safety issues, both current and emerging, along the complete food value chain from production to consumer?
(ii) a strong track record in the management and delivery of food safety science and research?
(iii) the ability to give effect to the Vision Matauranga policy?
(iv) the ability to work collaboratively and align existing food safety science and research capability?
(v) international linkages with, and recognition
by, stakeholders in New Zealand's key food markets?
(vi) established relationships within the
New Zealand food industry?
(vii) established relationships with New Zealand food safety regulators?
(viii) a strong track record in transferring food safety research outputs to relevant stakeholders (particularly industry and government) with resulting adoption?
Dated at Wellington this 15th day of April 2014.
HON STEVEN JOYCE, Minister of Science and Innovation.