Articles tagged with Innovation
Innovating Healthcare: Transforming New Zealand's Medical Devices System for a Stronger Future
1 week ago | 249 viewsThe Government emphasizes timely, effective, and affordable healthcare for all New Zealanders, viewing health as an investment in societal well-being and economic productivity. Efforts are underway to streamline the medical devices system, address uncertainties, and enhance patient outcomes through strategic decision-making and collaboration between agencies. The goal is to drive innovation, improve access to new technologies, and ensure Pharmac evolves to support broader fiscal and societal objectives, ultimately aiming to deliver better care, increase efficiency, and secure a sustainable future for the healthcare system.
Tags: health innovation medical devices Pharmac New Zealand technology patients government access outcomesNew Zealand Government Enhances Building Code for Improved Fire Safety
2 weeks ago | 362 viewsThe Government will amend the Building Code to enhance fire safety protections for New Zealanders, prompted by a nationwide fire safety review following a tragic fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington. Over 100 organizations and individuals contributed feedback during the consultation, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and improved evacuation measures, especially in larger residential buildings. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will incorporate this feedback into proposed Building Code changes separate from the regular update cycle, with a focus on aligning fire safety provisions with modern technologies and ensuring the safety of occupants and firefighters.
Tags: Government Building Code New Zealanders fire safety Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Loafers Lodge WellingtonProposed Changes for Innovation: Health & Safety Regulations in NZ Science Sector
3 weeks ago | 490 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is proposing changes to health and safety regulations to support innovation in New Zealand's science and technology sector by simplifying compliance requirements. The proposed changes aim to align hazardous substances requirements for university laboratories with their actual risk, addressing discrepancies in regulations that hinder scientific progress. Additionally, consultations are underway to remove regulatory barriers for the development and use of hydrogen technologies, with the goal of creating a flexible and internationally aligned regulatory environment to unlock the potential of hydrogen technologies across various sectors.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations and Safety Minister health and safety regulations innovation science and technology sector hazardous substances university laboratories regulatory barriers hydrogen technologies safety requirementsNew Zealand's Geothermal Energy Expansion Plan for 2040: Unlocking Potential
3 weeks ago | 498 viewsNew Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.
Tags: Shane Jones geothermal energy New Zealand Resources Minister electricity generation sustainable development innovation Māori economy industrial growth consultationGovernment Pauses Major Changes to Building Code System for Certainty in Construction Sector
3 weeks ago | 341 viewsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced a pause on major changes to the Building Code system to provide stability and clarity for the building sector amidst disruptions from the pandemic and supply chain challenges. The government aims to implement a predictable three-year cycle for updates, allowing businesses to plan ahead and invest with confidence. While major changes will be paused, updates related to life safety, energy efficiency, Building Product Specifications, and fire safety will continue, supporting economic growth and productivity improvements in the building sector.
Tags: Government Building sector Building Code system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Builders Designers DevelopersGovernment Invests $24 Million in AI and Biotech Research for Healthier Living and Sustainable Food Industries
1 month ago | 379 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is investing $24 million in research programs with Singapore to advance AI tools for healthy aging and biotechnology for sustainable food production, aiming for practical applications and economic growth. The AI program focuses on enhancing health outcomes for older adults through AI-assisted assessments and cognitive health monitoring, while the biotechnology program aims to develop scalable food solutions like algae-based foods and bio-fermented functional foods. These collaborations will deepen research ties, build capabilities in AI and biotechnology, and address global challenges with New Zealand science leading the way.
Tags: Shane Reti AI biotechnology Singapore science innovation technology New Zealanders Catalyst Fund artificial intelligenceNew Zealand Launches Institute for Advanced Technology to Boost High-Value Exports
1 month ago | 706 viewsScience, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the establishment of the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) to boost high-value exports through breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology. The Government has committed an initial $231 million over four years to invest in science and technology, develop skills in new technologies, and commercialize innovations. The Institute, based in Auckland with satellite centers, aims to leverage existing strengths in agri-tech and expand into new technologies to drive economic growth and global impact.
Tags: Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology AI quantum computing synthetic biology Auckland Wellington's Robinson Research InstituteNew Zealand's First AI Strategy Unveiled by Science Minister to Drive Economic Growth and Innovation
1 month ago | 849 viewsScience, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy. “AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we’re falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology,” says Dr Reti. “We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI.
Tags: Shane Reti AI Strategy New Zealand GDP economic growth regulatory guidance responsible AI adoption innovation productivity technologyInnovative Investment Boosts New Zealand's King Salmon Feed Development for Export Growth
1 month ago | 626 viewsThe Government is backing innovation to grow New Zealand’s high-value aquaculture exports, with a $455,000 investment from the new Primary Sector Growth Fund to support the development of specialised feed for King salmon, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced today. The $1. 2 million project—led by global aquafeed company Skretting—will design feed tailored specifically for New Zealand’s King salmon, supporting the growth of open ocean farming and helping reduce costs for local producers.
Tags: Government innovation aquaculture exports investment Primary Sector Growth Fund Todd McClay agriculture trade King salmonNew Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
1 month ago | 626 viewsOverly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size.
Tags: insulation rules designers builders homeowners Chris Penk energy efficiency Building Code Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Far NorthNew Zealand Launches Innovative Science Organizations for Economic Growth and Public Health Advancements
1 month ago | 696 viewsScience, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says today marks a major milestone for New Zealand’s science and innovation sector with the launch of three new science organisations designed to unlock innovation, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of hardworking Kiwis. “Science, innovation and technology are the engine rooms of a productive economy and our Government is committed to powering up our scientists and innovators to deliver for New Zealanders,” says Dr Reti. “From today, six Crown Research Institutes will merge to form two new entities: the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the Earth Science Institute.
Tags: innovation and technology Bioeconomy science institute Crown research institutes Earth science institute New zealand Public health and forensic science institute Shane reti ZealandGovernment Funds 46 Innovative Research Projects Driving Economic Growth in New Zealand
1 month ago | 530 viewsThe Government has reinforced its commitment to science-led economic growth by funding 46 high-potential research projects, says Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The projects will be funded by the contestable Endeavour Fund, which invests in research that unlocks new knowledge, technologies, and capabilities. The Smart Ideas stream of the fund targets bold, high-risk projects by catalysing and rapidly testing promising, innovative research.
Tags: Endeavour fund Medtech Ministry of business innovation and employment New zealand Science innovation and technology Shane re Smart ideasNew Zealand Invests $5.6 Million with NASA in Earth Observation Research Projects
2 months ago | 551 viewsScience, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5. 6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation. Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years.
Tags: innovation and technology Catalyst fund Collins Government Judith collins New zealand Shane retiNew Certification scheme unlocks $200M market for Kiwi cosmetics in China
2 months ago | 467 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy. “This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says. “It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Tags: Chinese Commerce and consumer affairs Good manufacturing practice Government International aitation new zealand Ministry of business innovation and employment New zealand Scott simpson Shanghai Simpson Todd mcclay Zealand