Articles tagged with Innovation
Government Reforms Building Research Funding to Boost Innovation and Cut Costs in NZ
1 day ago | 71 viewsThe Government is reforming building research funding by repealing the outdated Building Research Levy Act 1969 and consolidating research funding into the existing building levy under the Building Act 2024 to improve transparency, efficiency, and innovation. The new system will centrally manage funds with sector input, ring-fence research funding for long-term projects, and make funding contestable to broaden access for universities and industry organizations, while reducing costs for consent applicants. These changes aim to enhance accountability, support a more resilient building sector, and contribute to making building easier, more affordable, and supportive of economic growth in New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Penk Building Research Levy Act Building Research Association of New Zealand BRANZ Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Building Act 2024 Building Amendment Bill Building Consent Authorities New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Launches Secure Digital Credential Platform for Government Agencies
4 days ago | 98 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 week ago | 90 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 commercialisationGovernment Commits $75M to Enhance New Zealand's Infectious Disease Resilience
2 weeks ago | 104 viewsThe Government is investing $75 million to enhance New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness through the Infectious Diseases Research Platform hosted by PHF Science. This initiative aims to deepen pandemic preparedness, reduce exposure to future pandemics, and build an agile research and response system. The investment reflects the Government's commitment to long-term, impactful research in collaboration with key health sector stakeholders.
Tags: Government New Zealand infectious diseases pandemic preparedness Minister of Science Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti research Public Health and Forensic Science PHF ScienceGovernment Invests $80M+ in Transformative Research for NZ Economy, Health, Environment
2 weeks ago | 147 viewsThe Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
Tags: Government research projects New Zealand economy health environment Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane RetiInnovative AgriZeroNZ Investment: Wearable Device to Cut Agricultural Emissions and Boost Farm Productivity
2 weeks ago | 137 viewsThe Government and industry have invested $1.2 million through AgriZeroNZ to develop a wearable device for cows that can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching on farms. This investment is part of AgriZeroNZ's efforts to accelerate the development of emissions reduction tools for farmers, aligning with the Government's goal of doubling export value in 10 years. The project by Canterbury start-up Āmua is just one of several innovative ventures supported by AgriZeroNZ, aiming to drive productivity, high-value jobs, and a future-ready economy through science, technology, and innovation.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Reti AgriZeroNZ Āmua Government Innovation Technology Science Agribusiness CanterburyEU and New Zealand Strengthen Bilateral Trade Ties in Inaugural Meeting
3 weeks ago | 147 viewsEuropean Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay adopted a joint declaration to enhance bilateral trade and reduce costs during the NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting in Queenstown. They emphasized the importance of deepening the trade relationship, addressing non-tariff barriers, and showcasing Kiwi exporters at the NZ-EU Business Summit. The discussions also touched on the EU's Deforestation Regulation, with plans to collaborate on reducing costs and ensuring fair access for exporters under the trade agreement.
Tags: Maroš Šefčovič Todd McClay European Union New Zealand trade investment bilateral trade technology innovation FTANew Zealand's Education Minister to Promote High-Quality Education at China Expo
4 weeks ago | 160 viewsDr Shane Reti, the Universities and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister of New Zealand, will lead a delegation to promote the country's high-quality education offerings at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education in Beijing. New Zealand is the Country of Honour at the event, which draws over 35,000 participants and highlights the strong educational partnerships between New Zealand and China. The visit aims to strengthen education links, increase the value of international education, and explore new opportunities for research cooperation between the two countries.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand China Education Innovation Technology Minister Universities Science International EducationSimplifying Science Funding in New Zealand for Greater Impact
1 month ago | 168 viewsDr Shane Reti announced the establishment of Research Funding New Zealand, a single board to simplify science funding decisions in New Zealand based on recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group. The new system aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, allowing researchers to focus more on impactful research, innovation, and economic growth. Public investment in science will be redirected towards key areas like the economy, environment, health, and technology, with a phased transition over four years to ensure continuity and minimize disruption.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Science Innovation Technology Funding Research Economy Health EnvironmentNew Charter Schools Announced for 2026: Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academic
1 month ago | 351 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academic as charter schools in Term 1 2026, emphasizing the importance of providing tailored education opportunities. Aotearoa Infinite Academy offers online education to overcome barriers to attendance, while Te Aratika High School in Hawkes Bay focuses on vocational training for disengaged Māori and Pacific students. Altum Academy in Wellington aims to address the equity gap by offering a Classical Education approach based on the Trivium method, preparing students for critical thinking and communication skills.
Tags: David Seymour Aotearoa Infinite Academy Te Aratika High School Altum Academic charter schools education students innovation Māori PacificNew Zealand-Singapore Trade Boosted by Strategic Food Partnership and Essential Supplies Agreement
1 month ago | 179 viewsNew 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.
Tags: New Zealand Singapore Strategic Food Partnership Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies Todd McClay agrifood trade investment research innovation primary productionNew Zealand Approves WaterMark Certification for Over 90,000 Building Products
1 month ago | 220 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Chris Penk WaterMark New Zealand Building Act Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Building Code MBIE Building Consent Authorities Building Product Specifications overseas building productsNew Zealand's Bioeconomy Boost: Government Invests $42M in Biodiscovery Platform for High-Value Exports
1 month ago | 239 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Biodiscovery Platform Bioeconomy Science Institute pharmaceuticals innovation economy biodiversity export opportunitiesNew Zealand Defence Industry Strategy: Boosting Local Businesses and Resilience
1 month ago | 221 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Defence Minister Judith Collins Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk Defence Industry Strategy New Zealand industry Defence Capability Plan economy innovation technology suppliersTrans-Tasman Space Projects Secure $5.3M Funding for Maritime, Agricultural, and Communication Innovations
1 month ago | 282 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