Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research, Science and Innovation): Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Institute of Environmental Science and Research campus at Kenepuru to announce over $400 million in funding for the research, science, and innovation sector from Budget 2020 and the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Crown research institutes will receive $196 million in additional funding so they can retain talent and continue their key research. A $33 million fund will enable Māori to determine and make further investments in research, science, and innovation priorities, and $150 million has been made available for a loan scheme helping R & D - intensive firms retain critical capability and talent and maintain their important research. This Government recognises the critical importance of a strong and well-resourced science sector and has stepped up to the plate with funding that will see that necessary work continue.