Technology News & Articles
New Zealand Shortlists Five AI Concepts for $70M National Research Platform
1 week ago | 98 viewsNew Zealand has shortlisted five leading AI concepts to develop a national AI research platform backed by up to $70 million over seven years, aiming to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and boost high-tech economic growth. The concepts span diverse sectors including healthcare, robotics, creative industries, and primary industries, with each receiving initial funding to develop detailed proposals for final selection in 2026. Additionally, the newly appointed Institute for Advanced Technology Board will guide advanced technology research, supporting long-term economic growth through science reforms and innovation.
Tags: Shane Reti Steve O’Connor Cather Simpson Greg O’Grady Arama Kukutai University of Auckland Wētā FX Victoria University of Wellington University of Waikato University of CanterburyNew Zealand Government Launches Digital Agency to Boost Efficiency and Cut IT Costs
1 week ago | 104 viewsThe New Zealand Government is modernising digital services by simplifying and coordinating IT systems through logical groupings of agencies sharing common platforms to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. A new Government Digital Delivery Agency will be established under the Public Service Commission to centralise digital investment and procurement, potentially saving $3.9 billion over five years. These reforms aim to make government services simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, supporting fiscal discipline, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Government Digital Services Public Service Commission Government Digital Delivery Agency Government Chief Digital Officer IT Systems Digital Investment Public Sector Efficiency Technology SpendNew Govt.nz App Launches for Secure, Easy Access to NZ Government Services
2 weeks ago | 116 viewsThe Government has launched the Govt. nz app to provide secure, convenient access to trusted government information and services via mobile phones. Initially offering customizable dashboards and emergency warnings, the app will soon include features like secure messaging and a digital wallet for identity credentials. Participation is optional, aiming to enhance a customer-focused, efficient, and future-ready digital public service while maintaining high safety standards.
Tags: Government app digital public service Judith Collins Govt. nz app National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Fire and Emergency New Zealand secure messagingNew Zealand Launches Secure Digital Credential Platform for Government Agencies
1 month ago | 206 viewsNew Zealand company MATTR will develop a shared digital credential platform managed by the Department of Internal Affairs to enable government agencies to issue secure digital identities through a Government App. This initiative aims to simplify identity verification, reduce paperwork, enhance privacy and security, and improve convenience for users, with agencies like MBIE trialing the system for business credentials. By standardizing digital identity services across agencies, the government expects cost savings, greater efficiency, and a more consistent experience for citizens.
Tags: Judith Collins MATTR Department of Internal Affairs Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment New Zealand Government App digital credentials digital identity services New Zealand Business Number public sectorNew Zealand IP Policy Empowers Researchers for Commercial Success
1 month ago | 222 viewsNew national intellectual property policy in New Zealand aims to give researchers more control over inventions and enhance opportunities for commercial success. The policy allows university researchers to have the first right to commercialize their inventions independently or with university support, with capped equity stakes for universities in spin-out companies. The goal is to incentivize researchers, foster innovation, and streamline IP management to facilitate faster commercialization and economic growth.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand intellectual property researchers inventions commercial success innovation university policy commercialisationEmpowering New Zealanders: Cyber Smart Week Recap & Future Initiatives
2 months ago | 264 viewsCyber Smart Week, organized by the National Cyber Security Centre, aims to raise awareness about cyber security threats in New Zealand, highlighting the gap between perception and action. The initiative includes tools like How Exposed Am I? to help individuals assess and improve their online security practices. Additionally, the government's efforts, including the All of Government Digital Portfolio, focus on enhancing cybersecurity standards and efficiency across public sector agencies to build a more secure digital environment for all New Zealanders.
Tags: CyberCX Cyber Smart Week New Zealanders National Cyber Security Centre International Cyber Security Awareness Month New Zealand GCDO Digital Portfolio Public Cloud Data Centre Certification MarketplaceNew Zealand's Growing Space and Aviation Sectors: Scale, Ambition, and Global Impact
2 months ago | 301 viewsSpace Minister Judith Collins highlights the growth and global relevance of New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors, aiming to double their value by 2030. The sectors have seen significant revenue increases, with space sector revenues reaching $2.68 billion and advanced aviation sector revenue estimated at $530 million in 2024. New Zealand is focused on building a high-tech economy, establishing a world-leading regulatory environment, and developing sovereign space capabilities to address global challenges.
Tags: space advanced aviation sectors ambition global relevance Judith Collins New Zealand Aerospace Summit Christchurch economyTrans-Tasman Space Projects Secure $5.3M Funding for Maritime, Agricultural, and Communication Innovations
2 months ago | 366 viewsThree innovative trans-Tasman space projects have received up to $5.3 million in government funding to enhance maritime awareness, improve agricultural planning, and secure satellite communications. The projects aim to boost economies, strengthen international competitiveness, and accelerate aerospace innovation in both New Zealand and Australia. Led by various institutions from both countries, the projects focus on monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific, satellite sensing in agricultural practices, and establishing an optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.
Tags: Space Minister Judith Collins Science Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti Takehē Mission Satellite Sensing Governance Restore Lab Ltd SmartSat CRC University of Canterbury University of NewcastleNew Zealand Shines at International Astronautical Congress 2023: Space Sector's Growth and Ambitions
2 months ago | 299 viewsNew Zealand's growing space and aviation sectors will be highlighted at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, with Space Minister Judith Collins leading the promotion of the country's innovation in space research, manufacturing, and satellite technologies. The space sector in New Zealand supported 17,000 jobs and generated $2.68 billion in revenue in 2024, with plans to double the size of both sectors by 2030. Ms. Collins will also participate in defense engagements in Sydney and speak at industry events, emphasizing the region's importance in shaping the future of space and advanced aviation.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Space Minister International Astronautical Congress Sydney space sector New Zealand Space Agency aerospace innovation aviationNew Zealand Boosts Game Development Sector with Increased Support for Startups
3 months ago | 345 viewsDr Shane Reti, the Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister, has announced increased support for early-stage game studios and startups in New Zealand to boost the growing game development sector. The Government will provide an additional $2.75 million annually to the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) from 2026, doubling their current funding to offer more grants to emerging game developers. The industry generated $513 million in 2024, with projections to exceed $750 million in 2025 and reach $1 billion in revenue by 2027, driven largely by overseas sales and a 29% growth in employment, creating 321 new jobs.
Tags: Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti game studios startups New Zealand game development Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE)New Zealand Army Enhances Combat Capability with $104M Investment in Hi-Tech Communications Systems
3 months ago | 326 viewsThe New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.
Tags: New Zealand Army digital communications devices Defence Minister Judith Collins military grade radio systems deployable network infrastructure Network Enabled Army programme secure voice data communicationsGovernment’s Centralized Digital Investment Strategy to Save Billions and Enhance Public Services
3 months ago | 396 viewsThe Government announced a shift in digital investment and procurement in the public sector, aiming to save up to $3.9 billion in the next five years. The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) will lead decision-making for digital investments, potentially saving 30% of the projected $13 billion technology spend. The goal is to transition to a citizen-focused, digital-first public service model, improving efficiency and providing better digital services while maintaining traditional service options.
Tags: Judith Collins Government Chief Digital Officer digital investment procurement public sector New Zealanders technology spend taxpayer money public servicesUnlocking New Zealand's AI Potential for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
3 months ago | 344 viewsThe content discusses the importance of AI in driving innovation, productivity, and economic growth in New Zealand. It highlights the government's commitment to AI through policies, infrastructure development, and investments in research and education. The focus is on fostering responsible AI use, building a skilled workforce, and collaborating internationally to leverage AI opportunities for economic advancement. The government's initiatives aim to position New Zealand as a leader in AI technology and drive sustainable growth through innovation.
Tags: AI Forum Executive Council New Zealand Government AI Strategy technology innovation AI science economy AI R&DNew Zealand Boosts AI Research with $70M Investment: Dr. Shane Reti Leads Innovation Drive
3 months ago | 294 viewsDr Shane Reti, the Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister, announced a $70 million investment in AI research to enhance New Zealand's AI capabilities, accelerate commercialization, and stimulate economic growth. The investment will be made over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research, develop expertise, and boost competitiveness. Dr. Reti emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in AI, citing successful collaborations that have shown potential for significant healthcare savings and revenue generation.
Tags: Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti AI research New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology economic growth precision health agriculture Auckland Bioengineering InstituteDigital Infrastructure and Science Reform: Driving Innovation and Growth in New Zealand
3 months ago | 477 viewsOpening Remarks express gratitude to the organizers and attendees of the summit themed "Digital as Core Infrastructure," highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure for science, innovation, and economic growth. The reforms aim to streamline the science, innovation, and technology system, with a focus on maximizing government funding and driving real-world impact. The AI Strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to regulating AI, leveraging existing laws while fostering innovation and maintaining public trust.
Tags: Digital Infrastructure Science Innovation Technology Craig AI Strategy New Zealand Tertiary Research Excellence Fund Bioeconomy Science Institute Earth Sciences New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology REANNZ