The minister's responsibilities include leading the science and innovation system and setting the direction for government investment.

[2] The minister has oversight of the Crown Research Institutes, Callaghan Innovation, the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Marsden Fund Council and the Royal Society of New Zealand.

The portfolio is serviced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

[3] 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.

[4] A subsequent name change to Minister of Science and Technology occurred in 1975.