NZ Engine

Category: MIL-OSI

  • Space, advanced aviation boost economy by $2.5b

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The space and advanced aviation sectors added more than $2.5 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, a report released today by Space Minister Judith Collins shows.

    The Deloitte/Space TrailBlazer Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation Sectors report showed the space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy in the 2023-24 financial year.

    The advanced aviation sector, which includes emerging aviation technologies and overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.

    “The report showed our fast-growing space sector with revenue increasing by 53 percent in the five years to 2024 – a faster rate than the world’s space economy,” Ms Collins says.

    “This is a success story we should be proud as it shows the sector is creating jobs for New Zealanders, attracting billions of dollars of investment into New Zealand, and driving innovation and scientific advancement.

    “We want to keep up the momentum, which is why we set the ambitious target of doubling the size of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors by 2030.”

    The space sector’s year-on-year revenue growth of nearly 9 percent since 2019 was largely driven by increases in space manufacturing, operations and applications. The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, also found New Zealand’s space sector is commercially led and homegrown, with 78 percent of survey respondents saying more than half their workforce is local.

    “As the sector grows, so does the number of people and communities it supports. The space sector now supports 17,000 jobs in New Zealand’s economy, up from 12,000 in 2019,” Ms Collins says.

    “Whether it’s a research lab, a drone manufacturer, or a rocket launch pad, there are some amazing companies and an immense depth of talent working in the space and advanced aviation sectors throughout the country.

    “Last year the Government signalled our intention to support the sector through a light-touch regulatory approach. We have natural advantages of clear skies and geography, and we want to give innovators the flexibility to test their ideas and continue driving growth.”

    “It’s also important we encourage the next generation to consider careers in the space and advanced aviation sectors.  

    “Applications for the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes open on 12 May. These prizes recognise and encourage innovative expertise for professionals and students, and I’d encourage people to apply,” Ms Collins says.

    The Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation sectors report is available on the MBIE website.

    Note to Editors

    The attached infographic (PDF) shows high-level information on the space and advanced aviation sectors from the report.

  • Name release, fatal crash, Horotiu Road

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died in a crash on Horotiu Road, Te Kowhai on 29 April.

    He was 65-year-old David James Kingi, of Waipawa.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

  • Saddle Road closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Saddle Road between Ashurst and Woodville is closed due to a serious two vehicle collision.

    Emergency services received reports of the crash at 5:20pm, in which one person is believed to be critically injured.

    Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible as the only diversion is through the Pahiatua Track.

    ENDS

  • Police acknowledge sentencing of fatal crash driver

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupo Area Road Policing Manager:

    Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Wookeun Kim in the Auckland District Court yesterday.

    Mr Kim was the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash at Mangakino on 21 April which killed one person and seriously injured another.

    He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay $10,000 in reparations to the surviving victim, who remains in hospital.

    Police are glad that this matter was able to be resolved in a timely fashion. 

    These crashes are traumatic for all people involved.

    We would like to thank all those people who were involved in attending to the injured people at the crash scene – your efforts do not go unnoticed.

    Members of the public who call police around poor driving are to be commended. If you see dangerous driving or driving that causes concern please ring 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

  • Improving resilience on State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    People travelling on State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley can expect to see contractors on site on the Whangamoa Saddle later this month.

    Further resilience improvements are planned for the route from Monday, 19 May, with Stage Two of an ongoing programme set to begin.

    Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman says this is a fragile section of State Highway 6 – a key corridor across the top of the South Island. 

    “This area is prone to washouts and underslips and stormwater is a major threat. This project will see  new drainage works designed to control and redirect water flows that occur during heavy rain. The aim is to prevent uncontrolled erosion and damage to the highway.”

    “Retaining and guiding stormwater flows to engineered discharge points helps reduce this risk,” Mr Service says.

    Underslip and flood damage. SH6 Whangamoa Hill, August 2022.

    This work will be undertaken at five separate sites over a nine-week period. 

    Work on these sites, between Hira and the top of the Whangamoa Saddle will be completed by the end of July, weather permitting. Work will be staggered with only two sites operating at the same time.

    Mr Service says the  project will affect traffic and travel times.

    “This is unavoidable. We cannot do this sort of work without affecting the road and drivers. However, we always try to minimise disruption as much as possible

    Drivers travelling between Nelson and Blenheim, while the work is underway from mid-May and the end of July must allow extra time for their journey with delays of up to 10 minutes at each site.

    “This is particularly important for people travelling to the ferries or for hospital appointments.”

    Mr Service appreciates this work will cause disruption but says it is essential for protecting and improving a critical transport link.

    “Since the 2022 floods, we have made a significant investment in improving and protecting this route. This continues that investment, and more work is planned later this year. Please bear with us while our contractors work hard to complete this project.”

    Contractors will return to the site in September to complete Stage Three of the project. This involves the construction and installation of concrete beams, which must be done when the weather conditions are warmer and drier.

    Works schedule

    • 24/7 stop/go traffic lights and a reduced temporary speed limit at each site.
    • Delays of up to 10 minutes at each site.
    • Work hours 7 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. No work will be done during public holidays – King’s Birthday or Matariki.

    View larger map [PDF, 200 KB]

    More information

    • This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)(external link)
    • Other resilience works recently completed in the top of the South Island include flood prevention works on State Highway 1 at Dashwood in Marlborough, State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff and State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge in the Wairau Valley. Rock scaling work on State Highway 65 at Higgins Bluff was completed earlier this month with rock scaling work on State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows also planned to begin in May.

  • Budget 2025 – Budget priorities supported by business – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Continued R&D support and substantial infrastructure investment will figure in the 2025 Budget.
    These were among the Budget priorities outlined by the Prime Minister at BusinessNZ’s Pre-Budget lunch in Auckland today.
    The business audience reacted positively to news of continued Budget provision for the R&D tax incentive (RDTI) that supports innovation investment by firms, and to other investment in science and innovation including the establishment of three new public research organisations.
    Plans to boost spending on pro-growth infrastructure were also well received.
    BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says there is a general understanding in the business community that fiscal discipline by the Government is paramount, given the economic conditions it inherited.
    “There is good support for the Government keeping a tight rein on borrowing and spending, and for investing in growth.
    “The Government’s plans for encouraging science and technology, introducing more competitive business settings, promoting investment, and delivering infrastructure for growth, demonstrate a prudent approach to economic management,” Mrs Rich said.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

  • Government passes kiwi killing bill under urgency – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    The amendment to the Wildlife Act, New Zealand’s foundational wildlife protection law, was passed under urgency today and allows the Director-General of Conservation to grant companies permission to kill kiwi and other native wildlife if they get in the way of projects like roads, mines or dams.
    Greenpeace says it’s the latest escalation in the Luxon Government’s war on nature and is calling for the immediate repeal of the amendment and for the Government to strengthen, not weaken, protections for the country’s endangered wildlife.
    “This will go down in history as the moment the New Zealand Government decided that roads and coal mines needed protection from skinks and kiwi, instead of the other way around,” says Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop.
    “We’re talking about our national icon – the kiwi – being put on the chopping block so a company can build a road faster. That is not who we are as a country.”
    “We are a country revered internationally for bringing species like the kākāpō back from the brink of extinction. But we’re about to go from revered to reviled for making a law explicitly allowing big business to kill endangered wildlife for profit,” says Toop.
    All three stages of the Bill were heard under urgency this morning, with Greenpeace likening the move to Trumpian style politics.
    “Legalising killing kiwi is Trumpian style environmental vandalism. The Luxon Government clearly knows how deeply unpopular this is. It’s why they have rushed it through parliament under urgency with no chance for public input or scrutiny,” says Toop.
    According to the latest Environment Aotearoa report, nearly 80% of the country’s native birds are threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened, along with 94% of indigenous reptiles. There’s only one native frog left out of 14 that is not threatened with extinction.
    “Luxon’s Government just signed a death warrant for native wildlife already on the brink of extinction. And once they’re gone, they’re gone for good,” says Toop.
    “This Government have been waging a war on nature since day one. They’ve steamrolled environmental protections with the fast track approvals act, they’re trying to reverse the oil and gas ban, they plan to dismantle the RMA, and now they have literally legalised killing kiwi.”
    The law change comes after a landmark High Court decision in the case of the Environmental Law Initiative v The Director-General of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and others. The case challenged DOC’s decision to grant Waka Kotahi permission to kill wildlife during construction of the Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki.
    The Judge ruled that the permit was unlawful, upending years of DOC’s practice of granting permits which authorised the killing of wildlife under the Wildlife Act.

  • Government’s attack on Pay Equity a major setback for Māori and Pacific wāhine – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The PSA strongly condemns the Government’s sudden decision to rewrite Aotearoa’s pay equity laws, a move that threatens decades of progress for women, especially Māori and Pacific wāhine.
    Announced without consultation and passed into law last night, the rollback creates new barriers to pay equity claims and undermines hard-won gains in fairness and justice, says PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho.
    “The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is particularly concerned about the impact on Māori and Pacific wāhine, who are disproportionately represented in underpaid sectors and already suffer the combined effects of racial and gender-based inequities.
    “This decision will only entrench intergenerational poverty in our communities. The PSA calls on the Government to honour its commitment to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to reverse this cruel and short-sighted move,” says Panoho.
    “The changes will worsen pay gaps, particularly for those in already underpaid sectors. The PSA highlights the contradiction in dismantling protections while claiming commitment to equity under the Kia Toipoto (the Public Service Pay Gaps Action Plan 2021-24).
    Progress achieved through efforts like Te Whakapiri (the joint working group of union and Government agency representatives), which in 2024 saw Māori pay gaps drop to 4.8% and senior leadership representation increase to 17.1%, is now under threat, Panoho says.
    “The PSA stands with affected workers and calls on the public and allies to unite against this discriminatory legislation and uphold the right for women to be paid fairly through Pay Equity,” Panoho says.

  • PM’s Science Council to set direction for science

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.

    “We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they’re working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,” Mr Luxon says. 

    “This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.

    “The Council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy. 

    “I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren’t delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It’s about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.”

    Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include:

    Sir Peter Gluckman
    Craig Piggott
    Professor Merryn Tawhai
    Komal Mistry-Mehta
    Malcolm Johns
    Dr John Roche

    “I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.”

    Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair.

    “These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,” Mr Luxon says.

    “A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.”

    The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year.

    Biographies of Council members:

    Sir Peter Gluckman 
    Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards. 
    Craig Piggott
    Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company’s solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business.  
    Merryn Tawhai
    Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI’s Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society.
    Komal Mistry-Mehta
    Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra’s corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand’s largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra’s global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America’s and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand’s Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
    Malcolm Johns
    Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand’s transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems

    John Roche 
    John was appointed MPI’s Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI’s Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser’s forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ’s Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.

  • PM’s Science Prizes celebrate excellence

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Some of New Zealand’s most outstanding scientific minds have been recognised at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Award Ceremony, held this evening in Wellington.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand.

    “This year’s top honour, the Prime Minister’s Science Prize, has been awarded to Dr Linda Johnson and the Endophyte Discovery Team at AgResearch,” Christopher Luxon says. 

    “Their groundbreaking work to improve the health and productivity of ryegrass is making a tangible difference for New Zealand farmers, boosting yields while reducing reliance on pesticides.”

    Ryegrass is the most commonly used pasture grass in New Zealand agriculture. The team’s research has led to the development of beneficial microorganisms that protect grass from pests and disease, while also enhancing drought resistance.

    “This is an excellent example of science delivering real-world solutions.

    “By improving the quality of pasture on our farms, we’re not only increasing our capacity to produce high-quality food, but we’re also supporting the growth of our economy and ensuring a more resilient future for our agricultural sector.”

    The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes comprise five prestigious awards, with a total prize pool of $975,000. The 2024 recipients include:

    • Dr Olivia Harrison, University of Otago – awarded the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for her multidisciplinary work in understanding and managing anxiety.
    • Dr Aiden Kiely, Aorere College, Auckland – awarded the Science Teacher Prize for his dedication to equity and excellence in science education.
    • Professor Jemma Geoghegan, University of Otago – awarded the Science Communication Prize for advancing public understanding of infectious diseases and guiding policy responses to pandemic threats in New Zealand and the Pacific.
    • Rena Misra, Epsom Girls’ Grammar School – awarded the Future Scientist Prize for her innovative research into using fungi to improve stormwater filtration systems.

    “Congratulations to all this year’s winners. Your achievements are a testament to the power of Kiwi ingenuity and scientific excellence,” Mr Luxon says. 

    “Your work is not only advancing knowledge—it’s improving lives and building a better New Zealand for future generations.”

    The five prizes are: 

    The Prime Minister’s Science Prize

    An individual or team for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand and/or internationally. The total value of this prize is $500,000. $100,000 goes towards the team, and $400,000 will be used to support the ongoing research.

    The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize

    An outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or equivalent qualification conferred within the last eight years i.e. (no earlier than 1 January 2014). The total value of the Prize is $200,000. $50,000 is for the winner, and $150,000 for their ongoing research. 

    The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

    A registered teacher kaiako who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school or kura kaupapa. The total value of this prize is $150,000. The winner can use $50,000 at their own discretion. The winner’s school will receive $100,000 which must be used for the development of science in their school.

    The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize

    A practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public and/or science and research communities. The total value of the Prize is $75,000. $55,000 of the Prize money is to be used to support the recipient to carry out a programme of activities/professional development to further their understanding of science communication.  $20,000 is for the winner.

    The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize

    Awarded to a Year 12 or Year 13 school tauira student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research, maths, technology or engineering project. This Prize is valued at $50,000 and is to be used to support the winner’s tertiary education.