Technology News & Articles
Kiwi Space Activator Funds University of Auckland’s Rakiraki CubeSat Project
2 weeks ago | 213 viewsSpace Minister Chris Penk announced that the University of Auckland received $300,000 from the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme to develop the Rakiraki CubeSat, a satellite aimed at improving space object tracking to protect essential satellite services. The programme supports New Zealand innovators in advancing space technology from concept to launch, fostering sovereign space capability, commercialisation, and global market access. With $1.78 million awarded across two rounds to four projects, the initiative reflects the growing and high-quality space innovation sector in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Penk Kiwi Space Activator University of Auckland Rakiraki CubeSat Auckland University of Technology Space Operations New Zealand MBIE New Zealand space sector Kiwi businesses space technologyNew Zealand Invests $57.7M to Upgrade Largest Research Database for Smarter Decisions
3 weeks ago | 200 viewsNew Zealand is investing $57.7 million over four years to modernize its Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), the country's largest research database, to support smarter, evidence-based government decisions. The IDI connects data from various government agencies and organizations to reveal the long-term impacts of policies on New Zealanders, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. Upgrading the outdated technology will enhance data accuracy and accessibility, enabling better social services and outcomes for current and future generations.
Tags: Scott Simpson New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure IDI Budget 2026 Government agencies Stats NZ social investment data infrastructure apprenticeshipsNew Zealand Government Issues AI Guidance to Boost Regulatory Efficiency and Productivity
1 month ago | 221 viewsThe New Zealand Government has issued guidance for regulators on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity and efficiency across the country's complex regulatory landscape. AI is expected to help regulators detect risks earlier, prioritize inspections, reduce administrative burdens, and analyze large datasets while maintaining human judgment in decision-making. This initiative aims to streamline government operations, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure taxpayer money is better spent on frontline services and economic growth.
Tags: David Seymour Artificial Intelligence AI guidance New Zealand government regulation productivity public service regulators Ministry for Regulation regulatory landscapeNew Zealand’s Budget 2026 Boosts Emergency Response with Advanced Tech
1 month ago | 221 viewsBudget 2026 will fund the National Emergency Management Agency to implement modern technology systems, including a long-awaited common operating picture that provides real-time, shared information to improve emergency response coordination across New Zealand. The Emergency Management Sector Operational Systems (EMS-OS) programme will also enhance operational tools, upgrade the National Warning System, and incorporate AI to analyze data quickly for faster decision-making during disasters. This investment aims to boost New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards by enabling faster, more effective responses, better situational awareness, and stronger coordination among agencies.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Budget 2026 Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Common Operating Picture AI New Zealand Emergency Management Bill Strengthening Emergency Management RoadmapNew Zealand Telecom Review: Cutting Red Tape to Boost Innovation and Save $45M
3 months ago | 606 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the completion of the Telecommunications Sector Review, which proposes 22 recommendations aimed at reducing outdated bureaucracy to foster innovation and modernize regulations originally designed for legacy copper networks. Key changes include simplifying Telecommunications Development Levy calculations, removing redundant audit requirements, and updating fibre regulations, projected to deliver $35 to $45 million in net benefits over the next decade. Ministers are currently reviewing the recommendations to ensure telecommunications regulations support a competitive economy and reliable access for all New Zealanders while carefully considering next steps for critical areas like Telecommunications Service Obligations.
Tags: David Seymour Paul Goldsmith Telecommunications Sector Review Telecommunications Service Obligations Telecommunications Development Levy fibre regulations New Zealand telecommunications regulations Cabinet telecom providersGovt.nz App Update: New Digital Wallet and Secure Messaging Features Coming Soon
3 months ago | 579 viewsThe Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.
Tags: Govt. nz app Judith Collins digital identity digital wallet Government Credential Issuance Platform Hospitality New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Kiwi Access Card New Zealand government servicesNZ Defence Force to Trial Innovative Kiwi Drones Boosting Local Industry and Security
4 months ago | 681 viewsThe New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will trial advanced drones from local company Syos Aerospace, supported by Sysdoc for training and Hirtenberger Defence Technology for system integration, to enhance military capabilities and boost the domestic defence industry. These trials will involve various drone types across air, land, and sea platforms in operational scenarios such as supply transport and maritime patrols, informing future capability decisions. This initiative aligns with the Defence Industry Strategy to build a resilient, innovative sector that reduces supply chain risks and supports economic growth through cutting-edge Kiwi technology.
Tags: Judith Collins Syos Aerospace Sysdoc Hirtenberger Defence Technology NZDF New Zealand Defence Force SG400 SM300 SA2 ISR SA7 droneNew Zealand Shortlists Five AI Concepts for $70M National Research Platform
6 months ago | 986 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
6 months ago | 866 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
6 months ago | 620 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
7 months ago | 794 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
7 months ago | 783 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
8 months ago | 921 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
8 months ago | 916 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
9 months ago | 891 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 Newcastle