Articles tagged with Research
Government Expands Digital Manufacturing Light Program to Boost NZ Manufacturers
2 days ago | 50 viewsThe New Zealand Government is expanding the University of Auckland’s Digital Manufacturing Light programme to help at least 180 small and medium-sized manufacturers in key regions adopt affordable digital technologies, boosting productivity and workforce skills. The programme provides tailored assessments, installation support, and training to integrate low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies without major capital investment, enabling manufacturers to modernize operations and gain real-time insights. This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the national economy, with potential GDP growth of $8.6 billion from faster digital adoption.
Tags: Chris Penk University of Auckland Auckland Council Xero New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Institute for Manufacturing University of Cambridge Digital Manufacturing Light Small Business and Manufacturing Minister New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Invests $35M in OpenStar Fusion Energy Breakthrough Project
3 weeks ago | 212 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing up to $35 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support OpenStar Technologies in developing a specialised fusion energy research facility. OpenStar is pursuing a unique fusion design with potential advantages in stability, cost, and scalability, aiming to position New Zealand as a leader in this emerging, carbon-free energy technology. This investment aims to boost innovation, attract international funding, create high-value jobs, and generate potential benefits for sectors like aerospace and medical technology.
Tags: Shane Jones Ratu Mataira Ernest Rutherford OpenStar Technologies New Zealand Regional Infrastructure Fund fusion energy Government Regional Development Minister fusion researchNew Tailored Health and Safety Rules to Ease Lab Work Regulations by 2026
4 weeks ago | 226 viewsHealth and safety regulations for research laboratories are currently impractical and overly restrictive, as they apply the same rules as large industrial hazardous substance operations, leading to increased risks and significant compliance costs estimated between $1.5 billion to $3 billion. The removal of a specialized compliance pathway in 2017 left laboratories bound by unsuitable rules, but the government, led by Minister Brooke van Velden, plans to introduce tailored regulations and an Approved Code of Practice by 2026 to better address the unique risks in laboratory environments. This reform aims to balance safety with practicality, enabling scientists to use their expertise for effective risk management without unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Universities New Zealand Independent Research Association of New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Regulations research laboratories hazardous substances regulatory relief Approved Code of Practice health and safety complianceNew Zealand Invests in Advanced Biosecurity Lab to Protect Primary Industries
2 months ago | 424 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing in a new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) at Mt Albert to enhance biosecurity, protect primary industries, and support economic growth. This modern facility will replace the aging MPI lab, strengthen defenses against biosecurity threats, and help maintain export market access critical to the $60.4 billion food and fibre sector. Construction, managed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and led by Southbase Construction, began with completion expected in 2028 and operation starting in 2029.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Chris Bishop Biosecurity Minister Infrastructure Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Crown Infrastructure Delivery Southbase Construction Plant Health and Environment Laboratory Mt Albert Research Centre New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Launches $1.35M Quantum Technology Discovery to Boost Innovation
2 months ago | 358 viewsScience, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched a $1.35 million discovery phase to explore a national quantum technologies platform aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy through job creation and international partnerships. The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology will assess domestic quantum capabilities and commercial opportunities from December 2025 to June 2026, collaborating with researchers and businesses to accelerate innovation in computing, secure communications, and sensing. If successful, this initiative will lead to the development of a quantum technology research platform, complementing the institute’s existing investments in materials, magnet technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand quantum technologies quantum computing New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Korea Paihau–Robinson Research Institute Artificial Intelligence innovation technology researchNew Zealand's Strong Wool Scores First Export Order for Innovative Wool Particles
2 months ago | 336 viewsNew Zealand’s strong wool sector has achieved a major milestone with its first export order for innovative wool particle products, secured by Wool Source for a Japanese personal care company. This success stems from a significant $8.72 million Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) program aimed at developing high-value wool products, including powders and pigments for cosmetics, paints, and inks. The government is actively promoting wool use domestically and internationally to boost returns for sheep farmers and support the sector’s growth.
Tags: Mark Patterson Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Wool Source Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand WRONZ Kāinga Ora sheep farmers Japanese company Rural Communities MinisterGovernment Reforms Building Research Funding to Boost Innovation and Cut Costs in NZ
3 months ago | 326 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 IP Policy Empowers Researchers for Commercial Success
3 months ago | 444 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
3 months ago | 317 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
3 months ago | 423 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 RetiGovernment Invests $8 Million in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research: Boosting Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
4 months ago | 499 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations methane barnGovernment Invests $8M in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research at State-of-the-Art Facility
4 months ago | 390 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations investmentsSimplifying Science Funding in New Zealand for Greater Impact
4 months ago | 450 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 Zealand-Singapore Trade Boosted by Strategic Food Partnership and Essential Supplies Agreement
4 months ago | 443 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 Boosts AI Research with $70M Investment: Dr. Shane Reti Leads Innovation Drive
5 months ago | 453 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 Institute