Callaghan Innovation aims at jobs amid cost pressures, ageing buildings

Monday, 8 April 2024

Callaghan Innovation is moving ahead with its proposed ‘reset’, which could affect about 30 jobs in a hub with scientists and engineers.

Chief executive Stefan Korn acknowledged it was a difficult time “for many of our scientists and engineers, who are widely respected for their contributions and high level of expertise in their respective fields”.

An internal document obtained by The Post in March laid out the bleak future of Callaghan, the Crown Entity that funds innovation and research for businesses, and provides scientific expertise.

“The current strategic reset is about aligning more closely to our core functions,” Korn said.

'The next phase of the reset will involve consultation with the scientists and engineers in our Innovation Expertise Hapū, where around 30 FTE roles may be affected.

“In particular the board is determined to focus the organisation on working with the private sector directly to help turn their science, technology and innovation into increased revenues and profits for New Zealand businesses.”

Final decisions will be made in May-June.

The March document signalled a possible reduction in the overall science capability held within Callaghan, making way for a focus “exclusively on revenue generating, commercial science services”.

The document refers to “significant” cost pressures and health and safety risks, with Callaghan unable to secure additional funding and having no cash reserves available.

It largely stems from “decades of underinvestment” in its buildings, the document says, namely its largest site in Lower Hutt, leaving a significant number of end of life buildings.