Latest news with #Reti
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Empowering youth voices is crucial for NZ's future
Some of the 143 youth who travelled to Wellington for Youth Parliament. One-hundred and forty-three youth travelled to Wellington for Youth Parliament from July 1-2. This included 123 Youth MPs and 20 Youth Press Gallery. The energy was electric! Chelsea Reti, born and raised in the Far North, mokopuna o Te Aho Matua, stood as my Youth MP. Reti, with our other tai tamariki (youth) of the North, came with their heritage, their culture and their communities, ready to participate and share their unique northern perspectives. In Youth Parliament our representatives participated in working groups akin to select committees, addressing issues such as gambling harm, sport and recreation, te reo Māori and other critical systems and issues facing Aotearoa. For Reti, it was retirement income. These are important issues in our communities today and will be in the future. As our youth shared many times in Youth Parliament, today's decisions will be inherited tomorrow. Our Youth MPs also had the opportunity to ask questions of ministers and make general debate speeches in the House. For Reti, it was a question to Minister Louise Upston on the issue of child poverty, asking what measures the Government is taking to reduce child poverty in our communities – something very relevant for the Far North and rural communities. There was a lot of coverage in the media of Youth Parliament, where our youth expressed concerns at the feelings of being censored in their general debate speeches. In liaison with officials and our youth, it was important to highlight the desire for our young people to express themselves authentically but also maintain safety, as matters such as privilege do not apply in Youth Parliament. The general debate speeches were fiery, passionate and on point, which brought local issues into national thinking.
Scoop
6 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.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government AI Strategy To Boost Productivity
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand's first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy. 'AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we're falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology,' says Dr Reti. 'We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI. 'The Government's role in AI is to reduce barriers to adoption, provide clear regulatory guidance, and promote responsible AI adoption. 'We're taking a light-touch approach, and the Strategy sets out a commitment to create an enabling regulatory environment that gives businesses confidence to invest in the technology. 'Private sector AI adoption and innovation will boost productivity by unlocking new products and services, increasing efficiency, and supporting better decision-making. 'New Zealand's strength lies in being smart adopters. From AI-powered precision farming techniques to diagnostic technology in healthcare, Kiwi businesses can tailor AI to solve our unique challenges and deliver world-leading solutions.' The Strategy aligns with OECD AI Principles and the Government will continue to work with international partners on global rules to support the responsible use and development of AI. 'New Zealanders will need to develop trust and give social licence to AI use, so the Government has also released Responsible AI Guidance to help businesses safely use, develop and innovate with the technology,' says Dr Reti. The Government will use existing legislation and regulations such as privacy, consumer protection and human rights, to manage risk and privacy concerns.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
NZ-NASA Partnership Launches Five New Projects
Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology Hon Judith Collins KC Minister for Space Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation. Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years. 'These projects will combine some of New Zealand's best research talent with NASA's world-leading scientific expertise and technology, driving innovation in space science and environmental monitoring,' Dr Reti says. 'Advancing Earth observation science helps us better understand our natural environment and enables us to manage our natural resources more effectively. For example, we can use satellite data and AI algorithms to accurately measure water movements, which helps manage freshwater and mitigate floods. 'These projects will create a more resilient economy and drive productivity in some of our most valuable export industries, such as forestry and agriculture. They will also grow our science and innovation sector by positioning us in global growth markets such as remote sensing,' Dr Reti says. 'The US is an indispensable space cooperation partner for New Zealand and our engagement with NASA is a key part of our bilateral relationship. These projects will further entrench our ongoing and positive relationship with NASA,' Ms Collins says. 'NASA will contribute Earth observation satellite data, access to advanced tools and technology, as well as approximately $1.9 million in direct staff time and expertise. The projects are the second stage of the NZ–NASA research partnership through the Catalyst Fund, following an earlier round of feasibility studies. The selected projects span a range of high-impact areas: Te Mātai Pū o te Kea – High Altitude Coastal Remote Sensing – advances remote-sensing technology using Kea's Atmos high-altitude uncrewed aircraft. Satellite Multi-Scale Hydrologic Framework for Te Hiku ō Te Ika Wairere Ngahere – develops tools to measure terrestrial water flux via satellite data. Monitoring Vegetation–Geothermal Interactions from Space and Airborne Platforms – Integrates multiple Earth observation data streams to measure chemical and physical changes via vegetation. Near Real-Time Fuel Moisture System for Wildfire and Drought – builds a predictive fire model using remote sensing. Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Dynamic Forest Mapping – develops predictive forest mapping using satellite imagery.
Otago Daily Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Counting on the census
One of the great pillars on which modern New Zealand society is based has been scrapped by the government in a move which has shocked many. The five-yearly, or thereabouts, census has seemingly had its day, Statistics Minister Shane Reti reckons. He announced on Wednesday that New Zealanders had, for the last time, needed to scurry about looking for a pen to fill out the forms or pray that the more recently online documents would work as intended. Citing the need to save time and money, Dr Reti signalled the census will be replaced with "a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection". This will, according to the somewhat breathless Beehive media release, provide better quality economic data to underpin the government's "growth agenda". In line with this thinking, there will be no census in 2028, with the new approach starting in 2030. The new method of collecting nationwide statistics will sharpen the focus on delivering "more timely insights into New Zealand's population", the minister reckons. Good luck with that. While we should not automatically kibosh something before it has had a chance to prove its worth, it is difficult to see how what may effectively be a scattergun approach will be superior to the system which has developed over more than 170 years. The census has, of course, never been perfect. There were well-publicised issues with the 2018 and 2023 counts, and the five-yearly spacing has been interrupted several times, due to such events as the Depression, World War 2 and the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011. There were also concerns about the robustness of responses when the 2023 census was held the month after Cyclone Gabrielle. Dr Reti also has some justification for being concerned about the cost of the census, which has ballooned during the past decade. According to government figures, the 2013 census cost $104 million, but outlay for the 2023 one was $325m, and the now-ditched 2028 one was expected to cost around $400m. The huge leap in price is certainly concerning. Based on those government numbers, there can be no doubt running a census is a very expensive business. However, we need to remember, and perhaps remind the government, that the policies which are meant to benefit everyone across the country in healthcare, education, housing, transport and so on, actually cost many billions of dollars. The price-tag for a census which informs those policies is definitely not chicken feed, but money generally well-spent. Reaction to this week's announcement has largely been negative and expressing surprise at the move. There is particular concern about how cherry-picking data and using smaller sample sets will affect the rigour of information about Māori and Pasifika communities, and also people with disabilities, rainbow communities, and smaller ethnic groups. Dr Reti's promised land of a "sharpened focus on quality" when it comes to statistics will be extremely difficult to achieve. There are crucial questions to answer around how people's existing data within government agencies will be appropriately and sensitively used, who decides what to use and when, and who will oversee the process to make sure it is as comprehensive and fair as such a potentially fraught new system can be. We are uneasy that this move appears to be another example of this government not being especially interested in the science or data necessary for good decision-making and for making policy which is evidence-based, instead careening ever-more wildly across the political landscape in pursuit of zealotry-driven outcomes. We unapologetically support the census system we had, and believe in the provision of proper statistical data sets for modern-day needs and as a source of valuable information for the historians of the future Beware the old saying: "Garbage in, garbage out."
