The portfolio was established in 1926, partway through the final term of the Reform government, as Minister in Charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The first minister was the prime minister, Gordon Coates. The establishment of the portfolio accompanied the creation of the eponymous department.
The portfolio title has changed several times since its establishment. In 1963, the portfolio was renamed Minister of Science.[4] A subsequent name change to Minister of Science and Technology occurred in 1975.[5] The title Minister of Research, Science and Technology was used from 1989 to 2011,[6] when the portfolio became Minister of Science and Innovation to align with the short-lived Ministry of Science and Innovation.
The title Minister of Research, Science and Innovation commenced from 2017 until 2023 when changed to Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.
- Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V R Ward, Government Printer. OCLC 154283103.
- Wood, G. A. (1996) [1987]. Ministers and Members in the New Zealand Parliament (2 ed.). Dunedin: University of Otago Press. ISBN 1-877133-00-0.