Articles tagged with Innovation
New Zealand Approves WaterMark Certification for Over 90,000 Building Products
18 hours ago | 43 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
3 days ago | 71 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
4 days ago | 62 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 week ago | 120 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
1 week ago | 110 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
1 week ago | 126 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's Cruise Season 2025-2026: Minister Upston Welcomes Strong Opening
2 weeks ago | 183 viewsTourism 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.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister New Zealand Cruise season Government Industry Biofouling Port of Auckland Innovation.Unlocking New Zealand's AI Potential for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
2 weeks ago | 188 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
2 weeks ago | 123 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 InstituteInnovative Nurse-Led Cystoscopy Service Improving Bladder Cancer Care at Dunedin Hospital
2 weeks ago | 112 viewsA 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.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister cystoscopy bladder cancer patients surveillance procedures specialist doctors innovation cancer treatment target nurse practitionersNew Zealand's Aviation Action Plan: 25 Actions to Future-Proof Sector
3 weeks ago | 183 viewsAn 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.
Tags: Aviation Action Plan New Zealanders James Meager Interim Aviation Council Government Trade Tourism Economic Growth InnovationNew Commerce Act Amendments Boost Public Protection and Business Certainty
3 weeks ago | 115 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government Commerce Act Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson Competition Innovation Commerce Commission Collaboration Mergers ConsumersSeafood Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2025: Winners Drive Marine Conservation & Market Growth
3 weeks ago | 162 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Seafood Sustainability Innovation Awards Shane Jones Māori knowledge marine science aquaculture industry John Young Clearwater Mussels Oceans and FisheriesDigital Infrastructure and Science Reform: Driving Innovation and Growth in New Zealand
3 weeks ago | 285 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 REANNZTransforming New Zealand's Digital Infrastructure: Science, Innovation, and Technology Reforms
3 weeks ago | 255 viewsThe opening remarks express gratitude for the summit's organization and highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting science and innovation. The reforms in the science, innovation, and technology system aim to drive economic growth and maximize government funding for research. Additionally, the AI Strategy focuses on regulating AI to enable innovation while building trust and social license, with a commitment to leveraging existing laws and global partnerships.
Tags: Craig TUANZ Digital Health Association Minister for Science Innovation and Technology Bioeconomy Science Institute Earth Sciences New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Prime Minister’s new Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Privacy Commissioner