Latest news with #NZIAT
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mayor Celebrates Tech Institute In Auckland: "Another Win" For City's Future Economy
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is celebrating the latest government announcement affecting Auckland. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) will be based in Auckland, backed by an initial $231 million investment over four years to boost science, technology, and commercialisation. Technology & Innovation was identified as one of three key growth sector opportunities for Auckland in the Auckland mayor's refreshed manifesto. Mayor Brown has been championing this move since May, when he announced his work in the sector under his new manifesto during the Innovation and Technology Forum. The mayor also announced his establishment of new industry leadership under the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance at the forum. The Alliance brings together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. It will provide strategic leadership, encourage coordination, and drive deal-making and investment to strengthen Auckland's position as a globally competitive tech and innovation hub. Last week, the Alliance Leadership Group was announced. The group brings together some of Auckland's most respected institutions across business, research, investment, and public innovation, led by the mayor. Its joined-up approach is a first for New Zealand in the industry. Mayor Brown says he's pleased the government decided to establish the institute in Auckland, noting the move complements his newly established alliance. He says Auckland is where the funding, research, expertise, and most local government efforts already exist. "They've scored some big brownie points with me today. It was the most sensible decision given all the ingredients for an ecosystem of innovation already exist here. All the work is already being done here; what was missing was the leadership, which I've now provided under the Alliance, and the commercialisation of ideas, which I believe the institute will now provide.' He says the move is another win for Auckland, for his manifesto, and for Auckland's future economy. This follows the government passing legislation to allow Chinese passport holders to more easily pass through Auckland, and the establishment of the Southern Link flight path between Southeast Asia and South America. 'It's worth noting here that when Auckland wins, New Zealand wins. The legislation to allow hoteliers to charge a bed levy is the next logical step. These are things that don't cost the government anything but open up Auckland's economy to some of the largest economies and populations this side of the globe.' The mayor has also offered his leadership and overseas connections to boost city-to-city deals for the industry. 'As former Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman says, world trade is now more city to city than country to country, and I know many of the big city leaders in China, India, and Brazil. I get to see leaders that government ministers can't. 'I'm focused on strengthening our international connections and building on my relations further with city leaders. Auckland must be open for business so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere.' Notes: Related mayoral releases may be found here:
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Advanced Tech Institute Backs Science Sector
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the establishment of a new institute to grow New Zealand's advanced technology sector and boost high-value exports. Minister Reti says the new public research organisation, to be named the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), will play a leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success. 'The Institute will focus on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology – fields with the potential to transform industries, grow exports, and lift New Zealand's global competitiveness,' Dr Reti says. 'It will be a cornerstone of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy.' The Government has committed an initial $231 million over four years to: Invest in science and technology that supports industries with the potential to shape New Zealand's future Develop skills and grow expertise in new and promising technologies Help boost New Zealand's economy by innovating and commercialising new technologies into real-world businesses and products. The Institute is intended to have a central base in Auckland, as an existing centre of innovation, and will invest in a broad network of smaller centres to conduct research in collaboration with universities, industry, and existing research institutions. The first major investment, announced in May, is based at Wellington's Robinson Research Institute, specialising in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. Additional investments will be confirmed following advice from the Prime Minister's Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time today. 'New Zealand has made significant investments in areas of existing strength, like agri-tech, resulting in our global reputation for cutting-edge agricultural science,' says Dr Reti. 'This new Institute, supported by strategic advice from the Prime Minister's Advisory Council, will build on existing strengths and capabilities, and break into new technologies to grow our global reputation as a centre of innovation. 'This is about delivering long-term value for New Zealanders – transforming research into growth, jobs, and global impact,' Dr Reti says. Notes The Institute will initially be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity when legislation comes into effect in July 2026. Key innovation programmes will transfer to the new Institute from Callaghan Innovation, including the Technology Incubator scheme, New Zealand Product Accelerator, and HealthTech Activator. The new Institute joins three other public research organisations launched on 1 July: Earth Sciences New Zealand, to be based in Wellington Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, to be based in Wellington Bioeconomy Science Institute, to be based in Lincoln. These Institutes will continue to have a strong presence across the country.
