Latest news with #Aucklanders
Newsroom
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsroom
It's time to back Auckland's innovation moment
Opinion: I attended Mayor Wayne Brown's Innovation Forum, the day he updated his Manifesto for Auckland, and the proposal to form an Auckland Innovation Alliance. In it, he said the Government needed to focus on three areas: technology and innovation, housing and growth, and immigration and tourism. I came away encouraged that the leader of Auckland was putting innovation on the agenda, as crucial in the imagining and delivery of our city's future. I love Auckland and believe in its potential. I was born and raised in the Bombay Hills, back before we had a 'Super City', studied at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, met my husband working in the Viaduct during the America's Cup, and now live in Te Atatū. Over the past year, like many Aucklanders, my family and I have made the most of what this city offers: swimming at our beaches, bush walking in the Waitākeres, Eden Park concerts, scooter rides along the waterfront, and the playful chaos of the Dog Disco pop-up in Aotea Square. We joined 40,000 other 'geriatric millennials' in the Domain for the Synthony Festival and got behind the launch of Auckland FC. I share this not to age myself, but because I genuinely believe we live in a vibrant, creative, and world-class city. Yes, Auckland has problems. it also has enormous potential, and that potential hinges on people. The mayor's moves to put innovation and economic transformation at the heart of Auckland's agenda will go a long way towards attracting further talent. For years, different groups have published reports diagnosing our economic underperformance and pointing to untapped innovation capacity. The Committee for Auckland's State of the City reports have benchmarked us against global peers, while the Auckland Chamber Tech Council, led by Simon Bridges, has brought together business leaders who are investing time, capital, and energy to help Auckland step into its future. The proposed Auckland Innovation Alliance, a partnership between Auckland Council, the Government, business, and universities, could be the catalyst the city needs. In cities like Singapore, Dublin, and Copenhagen, similar alliances have driven bold, coordinated action. Why should everyday Aucklanders care? Because innovation isn't just about startups and tech, it's about people. A truly innovative city creates high paying, meaningful, and future-proof jobs, not just for software engineers, but for educators, health workers, tradespeople, and students. It leads to better services, smarter infrastructure, and more vibrant communities. Above all, it offers opportunity. The Time for Growth report identifies three globally competitive sectors where Auckland can lead: CreativeTech, FinTech, and HealthTech. Innovation in these areas, and further afield, is how we will keep people here and attract others. But we must do it on our own terms – we can't and don't need to mimic Silicon Valley. We can lead with a model shaped by Aotearoa's values, grounded in partnership, sustainability, and inclusion. Te Ao Māori values like kaitiakitanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (care), and whanaungatanga (connection) offer us a blueprint for innovation that puts long-term impact and intergenerational wellbeing ahead of short-term gains. The mayor's vision to make Auckland the innovation capital of the South Pacific is bold, and timely. His proposals—stronger government partnerships, targeted investment, and an Advanced Technology Institute—are the right moves. A key part of this vision is forging more intentional partnerships between universities and industry, not by expecting them to be and become the same, but by understanding their distinct roles. When they come together, we spark innovation, and build a pipeline of talent that powers the city's future. At the Mayor's Forum, a map of the city's innovation ecosystem showed just how much is already here, university incubators, research and development labs, startup hubs, and investors. Take Outset Ventures, once a garage for tinkerers, now a 5000 square metre deep tech campus backing world changing companies like Toku Eyes, Wellumio, and Zincovery. Add to that Icehouse Ventures, Bridgewest, and others who've invested in hundreds of early-stage ventures and it's clear: the foundations are strong, the momentum is real. Universities are central to this momentum, as both knowledge producers, and as anchor institutions in the civic and economic fabric of Auckland. At the University of Auckland, initiatives like UniServices, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Product Accelerator, and MedTech iQ help turn research into real world impact. The Newmarket Innovation Precinct is fast becoming a hub for this work. AUT, through AUT Ventures and a new investment fund, is backing new emerging technologies into startups. Together, these institutions are not only developing ideas, but shaping the people who will drive them. And that's the point: innovation doesn't happen without people. It doesn't happen without belief in our talent, or commitment to supporting it. If we harness the current momentum, Auckland won't just be a great place to live. It will be a city where ideas take root, capital flows, and talent from around the world chooses to stay.
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
My Secret Auckland: Tenor Chris McRae shares his favourite spots in the city
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, tenor Chris McRae takes us on a tour of his top places. Favourite beach? Mission Bay, preferably with a coffee. Amazing views and an excellent spot to go dog watching (which,
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
Crash on Auckland's Southern Motorway delays holiday traffic ahead of King's Birthday Weekend
Southbound traffic on the Southwestern Motorway, meanwhile, was badly congested from the junction with the Southern back to the Waterview Tunnel. Am I going to get stuck in traffic if I try to escape the city? To help keep journeys flowing, major roadworks generally pause during holiday weekends but NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's Journey Planner has identified several choke points where traffic will likely build up at peak times this weekend. Traffic on SH1 southbound between Wellsford and Pūhoi is expected to be at its heaviest between 2pm and 4pm on Monday. Traffic heading out of Auckland is at a near-complete standstill across the motorway network this evening as holidaymakers start their break. Photo / Google From Manukau to Bombay on SH1 there were several periods where traffic was predicted to be heavy and slow-moving, the transport agency warned. Heading south, traffic was expected to be busy from 7.30am through to 8pm on Friday, before peaking between 9am and 11am on Saturday. Northbound traffic will be busy between noon and 6pm on Sunday and from 11am through to 3pm Monday as Aucklanders return home. Acting director of road policing, Inspector Peter McKennie, urged motorists to put safety first this weekend and take their time, drive to the conditions and be patient. 'So many of the crashes we've attended this year have been preventable, and that's a tragedy.' Motorists can expect extra police to be patrolling the roads across the King's Birthday weekend period, with McKennie signalling officers would be on the watch for infringements related to restraints, impairment through the likes of alcohol and drugs, distractions such as cellphones, and speed. 'Those are four areas we're targeting because we know it can save lives. A split-second decision can be the difference between life and death.' Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kiwi Screen Community And Auckland Locals Take 18,000 Steps To Honour Gaza's Lost Children
Press Release – Matter On Sunday June 8, Aucklanders will gather at Parrs Park in Glen Eden at 8am for '18,000 Steps for Gaza' —a walk/run event dedicated to honouring the 18,000 children estimated to have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Led by a collective of filmmakers, actors, sportspeople, and local community members, the initiative invites participants to complete 18,000 steps—each one symbolising a child's life lost. The Givealittle page has already raised $5,000 toward its $18,000 goal for ReliefAid, a New Zealand-based humanitarian organisation providing critical support on the ground in Gaza. A number of well-known New Zealanders have already pledged to participate, including actors Aidee Walker (Outrageous Fortune), Michelle Langstone (Westside), Dave Van Horn (Avatar), Dominic Ona Ariki (One Lane Bridge), Fleur Saville (Shortland Street), and Dimitrius Koloamatangi (Red, White & Brass) (remotely), as well as league legend Ruben Wiki, rapper Diggy Dupe, and filmmaker Nua Finau (Panthers). More names are expected to be confirmed in the coming days. '18,000 is a crazy number,' says organiser and filmmaker Tom Hern (The Dark Horse). 'When I sat with that, it really opened my heart. The average primary school roll in Aotearoa is around 160 students. That means 18,000 children is the equivalent of more than 100 schools of children being wiped out. Each one of those kids is someone's son or daughter, or grandchild. I can only imagine the pure heartbreak for the families—if they survived themselves. 'This fundraiser, for me, isn't really political. For many, that's where their energy goes, and I respect that. But for me, this is simply a human response. As a father—and just as a person with any conscience—I couldn't keep watching this extreme suffering and do nothing. So I reached out to my friends and asked for their help to raise crucial funds to support these innocent lives. It's a small contribution. But it's something.' Event Details What: 18,000 Steps for Gaza (estimated 13.5km) When: Sunday, June 8, 2025 — 7:30 AM Briefing, 8:00 AM Start Where: Parrs Park, Glen Eden (Meet at the Playground) Who: Open to all — run, walk, or move in your own way. No registration required. Donate: 18,000 Steps for Gaza Givealittle Participants are encouraged to bring a fitness tracker or phone to track their steps. For those without, steps will be estimated per lap. A hydration station will be available on-site.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kiwi Screen Community And Auckland Locals Take 18,000 Steps To Honour Gaza's Lost Children
Press Release: On Sunday June 8, Aucklanders will gather at Parrs Park in Glen Eden at 8am for '18,000 Steps for Gaza' —a walk/run event dedicated to honouring the 18,000 children estimated to have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Led by a collective of filmmakers, actors, sportspeople, and local community members, the initiative invites participants to complete 18,000 steps—each one symbolising a child's life lost. The Givealittle page has already raised $5,000 toward its $18,000 goal for ReliefAid, a New Zealand-based humanitarian organisation providing critical support on the ground in Gaza. A number of well-known New Zealanders have already pledged to participate, including actors Aidee Walker (Outrageous Fortune), Michelle Langstone (Westside), Dave Van Horn (Avatar), Dominic Ona Ariki (One Lane Bridge), Fleur Saville (Shortland Street), and Dimitrius Koloamatangi (Red, White & Brass) (remotely), as well as league legend Ruben Wiki, rapper Diggy Dupe, and filmmaker Nua Finau (Panthers). More names are expected to be confirmed in the coming days. '18,000 is a crazy number,' says organiser and filmmaker Tom Hern (The Dark Horse). 'When I sat with that, it really opened my heart. The average primary school roll in Aotearoa is around 160 students. That means 18,000 children is the equivalent of more than 100 schools of children being wiped out. Each one of those kids is someone's son or daughter, or grandchild. I can only imagine the pure heartbreak for the families—if they survived themselves. 'This fundraiser, for me, isn't really political. For many, that's where their energy goes, and I respect that. But for me, this is simply a human response. As a father—and just as a person with any conscience—I couldn't keep watching this extreme suffering and do nothing. So I reached out to my friends and asked for their help to raise crucial funds to support these innocent lives. It's a small contribution. But it's something.' Event Details What: 18,000 Steps for Gaza (estimated 13.5km) When: Sunday, June 8, 2025 — 7:30 AM Briefing, 8:00 AM Start Where: Parrs Park, Glen Eden (Meet at the Playground) Who: Open to all — run, walk, or move in your own way. No registration required. Donate: 18,000 Steps for Gaza Givealittle Participants are encouraged to bring a fitness tracker or phone to track their steps. For those without, steps will be estimated per lap. A hydration station will be available on-site.
