10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1346 views
New Zealand and Singapore have strengthened their trade relationship through the launch of a Strategic Food Partnership and the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, announced by Minister Todd McClay. The Strategic Food Partnership aims to enhance agrifood trade, facilitate the movement of high-quality food, and promote investment and innovation in the primary and food production sectors. The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies ensures the continuous flow of goods like food and fuel during crises, with a crisis-response arrangement to prevent export curbs and support supply chain resilience.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1594 views
New Zealand has expanded access to over 90,000 overseas building products following a law change, with the WaterMark certification scheme now recognized as an endorsed standard. This change aims to make it easier for Kiwi tradies and homeowners to choose from a wide range of plumbing products, boosting competition and lowering costs. By amending the Building Act, the Government has streamlined the approval process for quality overseas building products, ensuring compliance with the Building Code and providing greater choice for building owners and designers.
04 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1532 views
The New Zealand government is investing over $42 million in a Biodiscovery Platform to develop high-value pharmaceutical and bio-based exports from the country's natural resources. Led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, this initiative aims to tap into the global market for bio-based products, particularly natural pharmaceuticals, which is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2027. By supporting research, innovation, and commercialization, the platform seeks to create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen New Zealand's economy in alignment with the country's strategic focus on science and technology.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1373 views
New Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
28 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1350 views
Three 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.
27 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1214 views
New 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.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1338 views
Dr 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.
22 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1371 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the start of New Zealand's cruise season, expecting 177,000 visitors from nearly 40 ships for the 2025-2026 season. Efforts have been made to address operational concerns of cruise operators, including managing biofouling, clarifying regulatory costs, and streamlining infrastructure approvals. Upston is leading initiatives to support innovation and growth in the cruise sector, aiming to maximize its economic impact and maintain positive relationships with international cruise lines.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1244 views
The 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.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1170 views
Dr 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.
17 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1363 views
A new nurse-led cystoscopy service at Dunedin Hospital is ensuring timely follow-up care for bladder cancer patients, with 290 patients seen since its launch in November 2024. This service, led by two skilled nurses, has successfully kept all 150 patients on the surveillance programme on track with their cystoscopies, completing 10 to 15 follow-ups weekly. The initiative not only improves patient access to care but also optimizes workforce utilization, allowing specialists to focus on more complex procedures and contributing to achieving faster cancer treatment targets.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1500 views
An ambitious Aviation Action Plan with 25 key actions has been launched in New Zealand to ensure the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector, supporting trade, tourism, and economic development across the country. Led by Associate Transport Minister James Meager and the Interim Aviation Council in partnership with the government, the plan aims to address challenges such as embracing innovation, building a skilled workforce, and enhancing consumer rights and accessibility for disabled travelers. Key actions include promoting growth and innovation in emerging technologies, addressing workforce issues, utilizing RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative runway, and supporting regional routes through loans and investments.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1207 views
The Government is updating the Commerce Act after nearly 20 years to enhance protection for the public and provide more certainty for businesses, focusing on promoting competition, innovation, and fair markets. Key changes include preventing unfair tactics, clearer merger rules, strengthening the Commerce Commission, and facilitating beneficial collaborations among businesses. The amendments aim to ensure the Commerce Commission is more effective, separate governance and regulatory functions, and give the Commission stronger tools to assess mergers and competition concerns, ultimately promoting fairer markets and consumer choice.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1299 views
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1485 views
Opening 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.