This paper describes why freedom of information (FOI) is important to scientists, the restrictions which the Official Secrets Act of 1951 places upon release of information by public officials in New Zealand, reasons for covert official resistance to FOI as suggested by information science literature, and how changes in the economic management of…

It is argued that with New Zealand's new form of block grant funding, greater emphasis is placed on scientific publications than on disseminating research results in a more useful way to clients. It is recommended that successful communication of information be identified and rewarded. (MSE)

It is argued that, with New Zealand's new form of block grant funding, greater emphasis is placed on scientific publications than on disseminating research results in a more useful way to clients. It is recommmended that successful communication of information be identified and rewarded. (MSE)

Recent changes in the New Zealand government's research funding system are discussed, and the resulting system is detailed. Remaining structural problems, some of which are seen as constraining progress toward government priorities, are identified and likely solutions and trends indicated. (Author/MSE)