May 2010
Science rocks!
I often hear people tell me that they don't like science because it's cold and sterile.
I find that an idiotic complaint, since every single with that attitude drives a car and has the internet, not to mention using electricity, watching TV, listening to the radio, buying food in packaging and living in a building.
We can only do those things because science works, and continues to work in the same way, every single time.
While New Zealand still relies on the farming sector for most of our overseas income, several New Zealand firms have made worldwide waves with the excellence of our scientific and engineered products - Rakon and Navman are the first two names that most people will know, while I class Peter Jackson's Weta as another, because it is our Kiwi expertise with digital imagery that has made it into the giant it is. There is another name about to join that select group - Zephyr Technology.
While I'm no fan or supporter of any politician, it has become increasingly apparent that while John Key knows only enough science to make carbon dioxide, he is aware of the fact and has appointed the outstanding Dr Peter Gluckman as New Zealand's chief scientist, responsible for advising the government on matters requiring scientific input.
Gluckman is a legendary talent who we are incredibly lucky to have resident in New Zealand.
In an amazingly short time, he has got up to speed on climate change and has issued a strong rebuff to deniers, and is now preparing to use his scientific perspective to look at teenage and youth issues.
At the same time, Key has signalled extra spending for research and development in the Budget. This is the kind of thinking we need in NZ - paying people to be innovative.
When a company is designing a new or enhanced procedure, it doesn't always work, so without the assistance of government funding, new projects would never get off the ground.
New Zealand has shown time and again that we can match and beat the best brains in the world. Now, we are ensuring that continues, with National supporting the idea that reality is real and that new things are possible.
Brilliant!
Copyright © Alan Charman