Articles tagged with University Of Auckland

Government Allocates $50M for New Geothermal Projects to Boost Regional Growth

3 weeks ago | 138 views

The New Zealand Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support early-stage geothermal projects, aiming to de-risk exploration and boost regional productivity and resilience. So far, three projects have received funding, including two $10 million loans for the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects and a $3 million grant for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote Māori economic development, and enhance renewable energy capacity through exploration and potential new geothermal power stations.

Tags: Shane Jones Taumanu Kopura Eastland Generation Māori University of Auckland Geothermal Institute Whakatāne Regional Infrastructure Fund Bay of Plenty

Government Expands Digital Manufacturing Light Program to Boost NZ Manufacturers

1 month ago | 278 views

The 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 Government

Brett Donald Tantrum Appointed High Court Judge in Auckland Effective March 2026

1 month ago | 268 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Brett Donald Tantrum, an experienced Auckland barrister and solicitor, as a High Court Judge effective 30 March 2026. Justice Tantrum has extensive expertise in criminal law, including prosecuting serious offences such as homicide, organised crime, and sexual violence, and has served as a Principal Crown Prosecutor since 2017. His career includes roles at Meredith Connell, a professional exchange in Sydney, and involvement in criminal appeals and public law matters.

Tags: Judith Collins Brett Donald Tantrum Auckland University of Auckland Bell Gully Meredith Connell Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Crown Law Serious Fraud Office High Court Judge

New Zealand Shortlists Five AI Concepts for $70M National Research Platform

3 months ago | 581 views

New Zealand has shortlisted five leading AI concepts to develop a national AI research platform backed by up to $70 million over seven years, aiming to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and boost high-tech economic growth. The concepts span diverse sectors including healthcare, robotics, creative industries, and primary industries, with each receiving initial funding to develop detailed proposals for final selection in 2026. Additionally, the newly appointed Institute for Advanced Technology Board will guide advanced technology research, supporting long-term economic growth through science reforms and innovation.

Tags: Shane Reti Steve O’Connor Cather Simpson Greg O’Grady Arama Kukutai University of Auckland Wētā FX Victoria University of Wellington University of Waikato University of Canterbury

Four New Judicial Appointments Announced for Supreme, Appeal, and High Courts

4 months ago | 580 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced four judicial appointments effective late 2025 and early 2026: Justice Francis Cooke to the Supreme Court, Justice Rebecca Edwards to the Court of Appeal, and Michael Arthur and Amokura Kawharu to the High Court. Each appointee has extensive legal backgrounds, with Cooke and Edwards previously serving as High Court judges, Arthur specializing in commercial litigation, and Kawharu noted for her academic contributions and leadership at the Law Commission. These appointments reflect a blend of legal expertise across public law, commercial litigation, arbitration, and judicial experience.

Tags: Judith Collins Francis Cooke Rebecca Edwards Michael Arthur Amokura Kawharu Victoria University of Wellington University of Auckland Cambridge University Court of Appeal High Court