National's plans for a merger in the Research Science and Technology sector show it lacks a clear strategy on making innovation a driver of economic growth, Labour's Research Science and technology spokesperson David Shearer said today.

Labour welcomes the Crown Research Institute Taskforce's report but what it proposes are merely the first steps to getting our CRIs producing the innovations that will deliver social and economic benefits to Kiwis, Labour Research Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer said today.

The taskforce set up by the Government to determine how New Zealand can get the greatest benefit from its Crown Research Institutes has presented its report to shareholding Ministers.

The Crown Research Institute Taskforce report lays out a clear path for New Zealand's Crown Research Institutes, Taskforce chair Neville Jordan says.

The Taskforce's report was released today by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Dr Wayne Mapp.

Research, Science and Technology Minister Dr Wayne Mapp has called it the "migration of science into the market" and he has highlighted the need to "better connect New Zealand's research organisations with companies that want to innovate".

National must start listening to the growing calls for increased investment in Research and Development, Labour's Research Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer said today.

The Navy has taken possession of the first of the Protector fleet Offshore Patrol Vessels, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp and Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy said today.

Auckland, Feb 17 NZPA - Software bugs plaguing a $234 million upgrade in Canada of air force C-130 Hercules aircraft are behind the delays that prompted Air New Zealand to yesterday announce 100 job losses in Blenheim.

The first of the Air Force's five new A109 helicopters has taken to the air in Italy.

National must show it is committed to Research and Development in May's Budget, Labour's Research Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer said today.