Tā te heamana | Message from the Society‘s President – Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Although this is the first newsletter for the year, it is a little late to wish you all a Happy New Year.  Nevertheless, I hope all managed a break over the holiday season and returned refreshed for whatever challenges 2025 holds for you.  For many of us the year is certainly going to be a time of uncertainty and change.

In December last year Minister Collins announced changes to the Investment Plan and Terms of Reference for the Marsden Fund, which included a focus on potential for economic benefit, and disestablishment of the Humanities and Social Sciences panels.  Reactions of shock, disappointment, and outright anger were immediate and widespread.  As a Society, we expressed our deep concern at the time and ongoing support for the critical importance of research in the humanities and social sciences as the foundations of a thriving society.  We followed this up with an open letter to the Prime Minister asking for consideration of alternative pathways for funding this research.  We have since met in person with Minister Reti and reiterated the importance of support for these key disciplines. 

Amongst our very broad and diverse membership, some of you have told us that we have not done enough, and should perhaps even withdraw from administering the Marsden Fund, either as a protest or to avoid perceived conflict of interest.  Others have expressed approval that more of the very limited research funds will be directed to other disciplines.   I can assure you that we take very seriously our functions, as set out in The Royal Society of New Zealand Act, amongst which are listed “To foster in the New Zealand community a culture that supports science, technology, and the humanities...”, and “To provide expert advice on important public issues to the Government and the community”.  On this particular matter, we are continuing to engage with government about the importance of supporting research in the Humanities and Social Sciences.  We are also continuing to gather and disseminate evidence in support of this advice, both locally and internationally.  This will be a long process, but we are committed to supporting these disciplines as an integral part of our Academy and of our purpose into the future.

The changes to the Marsden Fund in December were followed in January by the release of the first report of the Science System Advisory Group.  Although many details are yet to be released, we can expect that the changes announced so far, including the formation of four Public Research Organisations, disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation, and establishment of a Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council will certainly affect almost all of us.  We can also expect further announcements over the coming months, arising from both the recommendations of this report, and also the Advisory Group’s second report which is still in preparation.  Change and uncertainty are stressful for us all (social sciences again!), but they are also opportunities to review where we are, and what is important for the future.  I know that we all, as a community of Fellows, will be doing our best to contribute to that future and to support each other through these challenging times.

Continuing the theme of change, Council further considered the proposed changes to the Society’s governance structure at its planning meeting on 4 February.  As I have already reported, additional changes were suggested to the skills matrix, the processes of appointment, and the Rules.  These are now being revised, and the proposal will be further considered at the next Council meeting on 3 April.  I will provide another update after that meeting.

At its planning meeting Council also considered how well we are carrying out our main functions, as defined in our Act, and how we can do more make a real impact.  A list of possible new initiatives to increase impact was developed, and these will be further refined in the coming months.  We will certainly be looking to the Fellowship for help with progressing this important objective – watch this space.

Wishing you all strength and optimism in the face of this 2025 year of change and challenge.

Jane Harding FRSNZ
President, Royal Society Te Apārangi