The Government of New Zealand introduced The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes in 2009 as a way of raising the profile and prestige of science among New Zealanders, and internationally.

 

Science is defined broadly – to include the systematic creation of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis within the fields of natural, physical, mathematical, information, applied, engineering, technological, health and social sciences, as well as multidisciplinary research.

There are six prizes in total with a combined value of NZ$1,125,000.

Terms of Reference for administration of the Prizes are here

 

 

Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia | The Prime Minister’s Science Prize

This Prize is for an outstanding scientist, or team, for delivering a transformative scientific advance with significant and demonstrable economic, health, social, or environmental benefits in New Zealand and/or internationally.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea  | The Prime Minister’s Emerging Scientist Prize

This Prize is to recognise and support an early-career scientist who has demonstrated research excellence and made a significant and recent contribution to their scientific field, with potential to generate economic, health, social, or environmental benefits for New Zealand.

Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao | The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize

This Prize is to acknowledge individuals who can demonstrate passion and aptitude for communicating complex scientific or technological information and engaging a diverse range of audiences to inform public debate on issues that matter for New Zealand.

Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaako Pūtaiao | The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

The Prize is for an outstanding and inspirational teacher of science, mathematics, and/or technology in a primary, intermediate, or secondary school, or of pūtaiao, hangarau, or pāngarau in a kura kaupapa Māori.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata  | The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize

This Prize is for an outstanding student who has achieved excellence through a science, technology, or engineering project.

Te Puiaki Auaha | The Prime Minister’s Innovation Prize – NEW PRIZE 2026

This Prize is for an innovator or team for translation of scientific knowledge into products, services, or processes that have either delivered, or have demonstrable potential to deliver, substantial and transformative economic, social, and/or environmental benefits.

 

Supported by the New Zealand Government with funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.