Latest news with #AucklandInnovation&TechnologyAlliance
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Leadership Group To Drive Auckland's Innovation Future
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown today announced the appointment of a high-calibre Leadership Group to steer the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance, accelerating the city's ambition to become a globally competitive innovation and technology hub. The announcement follows the Auckland Innovation Forum in May, attended by over 130 tech and innovation leaders, where participants called for stronger alignment and collaboration across the region. 'We've got the ideas. We've got the talent. What we've lacked is coordination and a city that truly enables innovation to scale,' said Mayor Brown. 'This group is here to fix that – backing innovation that delivers real results for Auckland and lifts the whole country.' 'When I launched the Alliance, I made it clear—this isn't another talk shop,' he added. 'It's a delivery-focused team of proven Auckland leaders who know how to cut through and get things done. 'This is not about any of us – me included. This is about Auckland,' said Mayor Brown. A purpose-led Alliance The Alliance has been established to provide strategic leadership, foster collaboration across the ecosystem, and unlock greater investment. It will consider key issues such as: Strategic direction and priority setting Ecosystem and precinct development Capital access Talent and technology readiness International visibility and partnerships These areas will be developed with frontline innovators and technologists working in Auckland to ensure relevance and real-world impact. The Alliance will operate under a set of guiding principles – including agility, ambition, and shared purpose – to stay action-orientated and open to new ideas. Leadership Group The Alliance's Leadership Group brings together some of Auckland's most respected institutions of business, research, investment, and public innovation led by the mayor: Auckland Tech Council: Simon Bridges, Founder Universities: Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor, University of Auckland Prime Minister's Science, Innovation & Technology Council: Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FRS, Director, Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures Spark NZ: Jolie Hodson MNZM, CEO NZ Tech: Graeme Muller, CEO Outset Ventures: Mat Rowe, Co-Founder & Executive Director AcademyEX: Frances Valintine CNZM, Founder and Director The group will meet formally for the first time in August. Early priorities to be considered will include: Leading a new Auckland Innovation & Technology Direction Developing a city-wide framework for innovation precincts Championing an Auckland Techweek 2026 as a regional flagship event to showcase Auckland success stories Building a national innovation engine Internationally respected science and policy leader Sir Peter Gluckman said, 'If we want to build a future-ready economy, we must ensure Auckland's innovation system is better aligned, better resourced, and globally connected. Cities are the primary units of innovation internationally.' Leading New Zealand futurist and technologist Frances Valintine added, 'This is a chance to advance key innovations and accelerate the priorities that will define our economy, our communities, and support future generations.' With nearly 40% of New Zealand's economy centred in Auckland, the city's innovation performance has major national implications. While there are signs of momentum, Auckland continues to lag global peers on productivity, commercialisation, and scaling innovation. 'A more innovative Auckland isn't just good for Auckland,' said Mayor Brown. 'It's one of the fastest ways to lift the performance of the entire country.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Mayor Takes Tech And Innovation To The Next Level
Press Release – Office of the Mayor of Auckland Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is establishing a new Innovation & Technology Alliance, bringing together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. The Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance ('the … Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is establishing a new Innovation & Technology Alliance, bringing together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. The Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance ('the Alliance') 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. It builds on the work championed by the Committee for Auckland, the Tech Council, and the council group. In a first for New Zealand, the mayor will bring together leaders from business, investment, research, and central and local government into a formal Alliance to align efforts and accelerate innovation outcomes. The alliance will collaborate to develop a Regional Innovation Strategy for Auckland in partnership with central government. The focus will be on growing Auckland's technology sector and on growing the national economy. The Mayor is also calling on the government to establish the new Advanced Technology Institute in Auckland. The institute could play a crucial role in guiding new start-ups through the system, so ideas don't 'die on the vine'. Mayor Brown made the announcement at the Auckland Innovation Forum he has led as part of TechWeek'25. The announcement follows the release of his new manifesto for growth, of which innovation and technology is a central focus. The Mayor says today was about providing leadership to take the sector to the next level. 'Silicon Valley has concentrated huge technological skills to produce mostly trivia and entertainment. I've told industry leaders today that I want our tech brains to produce meaningful, profitable applications that lift our city and country's already great advantages in food tech, medtech, biotech, and fintech. I will be working alongside these people to bring the public and private sectors together.' GROWTH He says growth opportunities from a healthy ecosystem of innovation can no longer be ignored. 'Auckland's stagnant growth here will not be easy to change; productivity has been persistently low for a long time, and I'm aware others have tried and failed to fix this. But our recent recession and opportunities in waiting in this sector mean there's too much to lose to leave it as is.' 'I believe uniting the tech sector in Auckland into a cohesive machine of production for tomorrow's ideas will open our national economy to a substantial amount of capital.' NEW LEADERSHIP Mayor Brown says the alliance will bring a joined-up approach from industry to provide leadership and inform a regional strategy, while the institute will guide new start-ups through the system. 'The structure will put industry expertise closer to decision-making and better support startups on a pathway from idea to market. 'I want us to be early adopters of new technology. I want to set up an ecology of innovation here to shape our future Auckland, and New Zealand.' WHY AUCKLAND? He reiterates that Auckland is best placed to be New Zealand's premier tech city. 'Right now, growth is more city to city than country to country. Auckland— being New Zealand's tech city and economic powerhouse of the country— is the key to unlocking nationwide growth. There is great opportunity for central government in this.' 'Kiwis make good deals, and we've done well overseas. Let's open Auckland up so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere.'
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Mayor Takes Tech And Innovation To The Next Level
Press Release – Office of the Mayor of Auckland Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is establishing a new Innovation & Technology Alliance, bringing together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. The Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance ('the Alliance') 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. It builds on the work championed by the Committee for Auckland, the Tech Council, and the council group. In a first for New Zealand, the mayor will bring together leaders from business, investment, research, and central and local government into a formal Alliance to align efforts and accelerate innovation outcomes. The alliance will collaborate to develop a Regional Innovation Strategy for Auckland in partnership with central government. The focus will be on growing Auckland's technology sector and on growing the national economy. The Mayor is also calling on the government to establish the new Advanced Technology Institute in Auckland. The institute could play a crucial role in guiding new start-ups through the system, so ideas don't 'die on the vine'. Mayor Brown made the announcement at the Auckland Innovation Forum he has led as part of TechWeek'25. The announcement follows the release of his new manifesto for growth, of which innovation and technology is a central focus. The Mayor says today was about providing leadership to take the sector to the next level. 'Silicon Valley has concentrated huge technological skills to produce mostly trivia and entertainment. I've told industry leaders today that I want our tech brains to produce meaningful, profitable applications that lift our city and country's already great advantages in food tech, medtech, biotech, and fintech. I will be working alongside these people to bring the public and private sectors together.' GROWTH He says growth opportunities from a healthy ecosystem of innovation can no longer be ignored. 'Auckland's stagnant growth here will not be easy to change; productivity has been persistently low for a long time, and I'm aware others have tried and failed to fix this. But our recent recession and opportunities in waiting in this sector mean there's too much to lose to leave it as is.' 'I believe uniting the tech sector in Auckland into a cohesive machine of production for tomorrow's ideas will open our national economy to a substantial amount of capital.' NEW LEADERSHIP Mayor Brown says the alliance will bring a joined-up approach from industry to provide leadership and inform a regional strategy, while the institute will guide new start-ups through the system. 'The structure will put industry expertise closer to decision-making and better support startups on a pathway from idea to market. 'I want us to be early adopters of new technology. I want to set up an ecology of innovation here to shape our future Auckland, and New Zealand.' WHY AUCKLAND? He reiterates that Auckland is best placed to be New Zealand's premier tech city. 'Right now, growth is more city to city than country to country. Auckland— being New Zealand's tech city and economic powerhouse of the country— is the key to unlocking nationwide growth. There is great opportunity for central government in this.' 'Kiwis make good deals, and we've done well overseas. Let's open Auckland up so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere.'
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Mayor Takes Tech And Innovation To The Next Level
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is establishing a new Innovation & Technology Alliance, bringing together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. The Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance ("the Alliance") 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. It builds on the work championed by the Committee for Auckland, the Tech Council, and the council group. In a first for New Zealand, the mayor will bring together leaders from business, investment, research, and central and local government into a formal Alliance to align efforts and accelerate innovation outcomes. The alliance will collaborate to develop a Regional Innovation Strategy for Auckland in partnership with central government. The focus will be on growing Auckland's technology sector and on growing the national economy. The Mayor is also calling on the government to establish the new Advanced Technology Institute in Auckland. The institute could play a crucial role in guiding new start-ups through the system, so ideas don't 'die on the vine'. Mayor Brown made the announcement at the Auckland Innovation Forum he has led as part of TechWeek'25. The announcement follows the release of his new manifesto for growth, of which innovation and technology is a central focus. The Mayor says today was about providing leadership to take the sector to the next level. 'Silicon Valley has concentrated huge technological skills to produce mostly trivia and entertainment. I've told industry leaders today that I want our tech brains to produce meaningful, profitable applications that lift our city and country's already great advantages in food tech, medtech, biotech, and fintech. I will be working alongside these people to bring the public and private sectors together.' GROWTH He says growth opportunities from a healthy ecosystem of innovation can no longer be ignored. 'Auckland's stagnant growth here will not be easy to change; productivity has been persistently low for a long time, and I'm aware others have tried and failed to fix this. But our recent recession and opportunities in waiting in this sector mean there's too much to lose to leave it as is.' 'I believe uniting the tech sector in Auckland into a cohesive machine of production for tomorrow's ideas will open our national economy to a substantial amount of capital.' NEW LEADERSHIP Mayor Brown says the alliance will bring a joined-up approach from industry to provide leadership and inform a regional strategy, while the institute will guide new start-ups through the system. 'The structure will put industry expertise closer to decision-making and better support startups on a pathway from idea to market. 'I want us to be early adopters of new technology. I want to set up an ecology of innovation here to shape our future Auckland, and New Zealand.' WHY AUCKLAND? He reiterates that Auckland is best placed to be New Zealand's premier tech city. 'Right now, growth is more city to city than country to country. Auckland— being New Zealand's tech city and economic powerhouse of the country— is the key to unlocking nationwide growth. There is great opportunity for central government in this.' 'Kiwis make good deals, and we've done well overseas. Let's open Auckland up so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere.'
