Articles tagged with Science
New Zealand's RDTI Hits $10 Billion Supporting Business Innovation and Growth
2 weeks ago | 221 viewsThe Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) in New Zealand has supported over $10 billion in business R&D investment, demonstrating growing confidence and rapid uptake, especially among small businesses. An independent evaluation in 2025 showed the scheme generates significant economic benefits, with each dollar of support leading to an additional $1.40 invested in R&D, contributing to productivity, innovation, and high-value job creation. To further enhance its impact, the government plans to introduce in-year payments for tax credits in Budget 2026, aiming to improve cash flow and encourage more businesses to invest in R&D.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Callaghan Innovation MBIE New Zealand RDTI Budget 2026 Science Technology Innovation R&D businesses government$40.68M Boost for NZ University Research Commercialisation and New IP Rules
1 month ago | 307 viewsThe New Zealand Government is providing a $40.68 million funding boost from July 2026 to support university research commercialisation, alongside new Intellectual Property (IP) rules that give researchers greater control and incentives to bring innovations to market. This initiative, including enhanced Commercialisation Partner Network funding and new Engagement Guidelines, aims to accelerate economic growth by fostering collaboration, building commercialisation skills, and supporting early-stage ideas to develop into start-ups and products. Additional funding is also allocated to the Founder and Start-up Support Programme and the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology to expand deep-tech incubation and advanced technology development.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand MBIE NZIAT Commercialisation Partner Network Intellectual Property Management Policy Science Technology Innovation Government funding HealthTech ActivatorNew Research Projects Boost Efforts to Eradicate Yellow-Legged Hornet in NZ
1 month ago | 358 viewsFour new research projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will support Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, focusing on risk modeling, impact assessment, targeted communication with Māori communities, and readiness planning for the apiculture sector. Since the hornet's detection in Auckland last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been removed, with no sightings since early April, but ongoing surveillance and public vigilance remain crucial. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, these projects aim to enhance eradication strategies and prepare for potential long-term management.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Auckland Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Maiangi Taiao Māori communities apiculture sectorNew Zealand’s Science Investment Plan 2026-2036 to Boost Innovation and Growth
1 month ago | 770 viewsThe New Zealand Government’s Science Investment Plan outlines a decade-long strategy to leverage public science funding for economic growth, resilience, and global competitiveness by focusing on four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people and society. The plan emphasizes shifting $122 million toward advanced technologies to boost productivity, innovation, and sustainability without reducing overall science funding, ensuring continuity for existing research contracts. Research Funding New Zealand will develop detailed Pillar Investment Plans by September 2026, guided by expert advisory groups, to implement these priorities effectively.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Prime Minister’s Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Research Funding New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Science Investment Plan Science Innovation and Technology Minister PMSTIAC New Zealand Government Research Funding New Zealand Pillar Advisory GroupsNew Zealand Introduces Clearer, Credible Senior Secondary Qualifications from 2028
2 months ago | 654 viewsNew Zealand is replacing NCEA with new senior secondary qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13, featuring a six-point grading scale and compulsory subjects including literacy, numeracy, and Science from 2028. Students must study at least five subjects annually, with clear recognition of achievement through subject grades and endorsement awards for outstanding performance, supported by a knowledge-rich curriculum aligned with assessments. These changes aim to provide clearer, credible, and internationally comparable qualifications that better prepare students for future academic and vocational success.
Tags: Erica Stanford New Zealand Certificate of Education NZCE New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education NZACE NCEA Ministry of Education Science Pūtaiao Year 12 Year 13Government Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income
2 months ago | 553 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
Tags: Todd McClay Cameron Brewer New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit horticulture Biosecurity Science Institute kiwifruit industryNew Research to Improve Food Safety Rules for Deer Hunters in New Zealand
3 months ago | 503 viewsNew research led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute and Lincoln University aims to provide evidence for more targeted food safety rules regarding deer hunting near brodifacoum bait stations. Current regulations impose a two-kilometre buffer zone for three years after poisoning, limiting commercial hunting access, but evolving science may allow for refined, less restrictive measures. This research will also help maintain New Zealand’s reputation for safe meat exports and support trade assurances.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Bioeconomy Science Institute Lincoln University deer hunters food safety rules brodifacoum toxicology statistical modelling bait station designNew Zealand’s Science and Innovation Reforms Driving Agritech and Bioeconomy Growth
4 months ago | 683 viewsThe speech highlights New Zealand’s critical economic transition and the government’s commitment to modernizing the science, innovation, and technology system to better connect research with commercial success, particularly in agrifood, agritech, and deep-tech sectors. Key reforms include prioritizing mission-led research aligned with national goals, increasing investment in advanced technologies like AI and synthetic biology, simplifying funding structures, and fostering stronger collaboration between science, industry, and capital. These efforts aim to boost economic resilience, global competitiveness, and sustainable growth by leveraging New Zealand’s natural strengths and emerging technology opportunities.
Tags: Craig Piggott John Roche Halter AgResearch Prime Minister PMSITAC New Zealand Science Advisory Group MPI NZTEGovernment Boosts Advanced Technology Funding to Drive NZ Science Innovation
4 months ago | 643 viewsThe New Zealand Government is redirecting science funding towards areas with the greatest national impact, emphasizing advanced technology to boost productivity and international competitiveness. The Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council identifies four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people. By reallocating $122 million annually over three years, the Government aims to build a future-ready science workforce and strengthen the country’s research system through a carefully managed funding reset.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Science Investment Plan Research Funding New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Advisory Council advanced technology bioeconomy environmental sustainability science system innovationTransforming New Zealand Life Sciences: Innovation, Technology, and Future Growth
5 months ago | 765 viewsThe Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology highlighted New Zealand’s significant reforms to its science system, including the creation of unified funding bodies, advisory councils, and major bioeconomy institutes to enhance research impact and economic resilience. Emphasizing the convergence of life sciences with advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing, the government is investing in platforms such as the Biodiscovery Platform and Infectious Diseases Research Platform to drive innovation, health security, and sustainable growth. The Minister also addressed the importance of modernizing gene technology regulations to keep pace globally, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting science that benefits New Zealand’s economy, environment, and communities.
Tags: Minister of Science Innovation and Technology BioTech NZ NZTech Prime Minister’s Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Research Funding New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Public Health and Forensic Science New Zealand Institute for Advanced TechnologyNew Methamphetamine Contamination Rules for Rental Properties Effective April 2026
5 months ago | 989 viewsNew regulations addressing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties will take effect from 16 April 2026, establishing clear, evidence-based thresholds and processes to ensure consistency for landlords and tenants. Properties with residue above 15µg/100cm² must be decontaminated, and if levels exceed 30µg/100cm², tenancy termination options become available, with professional testing aligned to New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 required in certain cases. Developed with expert advice, these rules aim to protect tenant health while minimizing landlord costs, with guidance provided through MBIE’s Tenancy Services website.
Tags: Tama Potaka Peter Gluckman methamphetamine contamination rental properties New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 Ministry of Housing and Urban Development MBIE Tenancy Services New Zealand Institute for Public Health Forensic ScienceApply Now: New Zealand’s Applied Doctorates Scheme Supports Industry-Driven PhD Research
5 months ago | 848 viewsThe Applied Doctorates Scheme, supported by a $20 million government investment, connects PhD students with industry to address real-world challenges while developing advanced research and commercial skills. The 2025 cohort focused on energy innovation with 25 industry-led projects, and the 2026 round is now open for applications centered on Aerospace, Defence, and Security. This initiative aims to build a skilled research workforce that drives economic and community benefits for New Zealand through applied science.
Tags: Shane Reti Contact Energy Vector Victoria University Rio Tinto New Zealand Aluminium Smelter Applied Doctorates Scheme Science Innovation and Technology Aerospace Defence Security Biotechnology BioprocessingHealth Minister Welcomes New Pay Deal for 12,300 Health NZ Workers
5 months ago | 825 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 12,300 Allied, Public Health, Scientific, and Technical workers represented by the Public Service Association. The agreement includes a 2.5% pay increase in the first year, a 2% increase in the second year, a $500 lump sum payment, a new pay scale for Sterile Sciences Technicians, and a $400,000 professional development fund. This settlement follows recent approvals for other health sector agreements, highlighting ongoing progress in workforce negotiations.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister Allied Health Public Health Scientific Technicians Public Service Association Health New Zealand APEX Pharmacy APEX Psychologists Sterile Sciences TechniciansNew Maths, English & Science Resources Boost NZ Student Achievement and Engagement
5 months ago | 835 viewsThe Government is introducing new Maths, English, and Science resources, including a Writing Acceleration Tool for Years 6-10, digital maths materials for Years 9-10, and hands-on science kits for primary schools, aiming to raise student achievement and close equity gaps. These initiatives, supported by professional development and extensive funding, align with curriculum standards and target improving literacy and numeracy levels, with a goal of 80% of Year 8 students meeting expected benchmarks by 2030. Additionally, specialized resources and support are being developed for Māori-medium education, and widespread teacher and school engagement is planned to ensure effective implementation.
Tags: Erica Stanford Education Minister Scribo House of Science Education Perfect Make it Write Budget 2025 Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Curriculum Insights and Progress StudyGovernment Investment Boost Drives Early, Larger Investments and Economic Growth
5 months ago | 915 viewsThe Government’s Investment Boost is effectively encouraging firms to increase, accelerate, and scale up their investments, thereby enhancing productivity and economic growth. Survey data shows that a significant portion of companies have raised their investment spending and shifted toward productivity-enhancing assets due to the policy, with Inland Revenue modeling indicating a reduction in the effective marginal tax rate on new capital investment. These positive impacts align with projections of GDP, wage, and capital stock growth over the next 20 years, demonstrating the importance of stable, supportive tax policy for long-term economic development.
Tags: Nicola Willis Investment Boost Inland Revenue New Zealand Economic Growth United Machinists Foot Science International Vynco Government Policy Productivity