What a new Government means for science: back to blue skies

The absence of Science Minister Penny Simmonds (pictured) and Act’s Parmjeet Parmar from the Save Science Coalition’s pre-election panel wasn’t just a scheduling gap. (Image: NZME)

New Zealand’s science sector spent its lunch hour on Tuesday doing what it does best under duress: watching politely while politicians riff about its future shape and design.The Save Science Coalition’s pre-election panel at Victoria University drew The Opportunity Party candidate Ben Wylie-van Eerd, New Zealand First list MP Dr David Wilson, Labour’s science, technology and innovation shadow spokesperson and MP for Christchurch East Reuben Davidson, and Green Party list MP Scott Willis. Two seats were left cons...