Latest news with #ShaneReti
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
New Institute for Advanced Technology announced by government
The government has unveiled a new public research organisation focused on "supercharging" the country's economy through advanced technology. Speaking in Auckland this morning, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology will be based focus on turning technologies like AI and quantum computing into commercial success. The announcement follows the establishment of three public research institutes focused on Earth Science, Bioeconomy and Health and Forensic Science. The Institute will first be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity when legislation comes into effect in July 2026. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro Luxon said it will be New Zealand's fourth institute and the cornerstone of government's plan to make a high tech, high-value economy. "I expect it to be forward looking, with the support and advice of the Science Advisory Council, to invest in new areas of science that are reshaping the global economy, where we can develop excellent talent, create high-paying jobs, build new sectors and increase our export earnings," he said. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti said the government is committing $231 million over the next four years to the institute, which will be based in Auckland and work with other research centres, universities and industries. "Our first major investment announced in May is already underway at Wellington Robinson Research Institute specialising in future magnetic and materials technologies and cryogenic superconducting further investments will be guided by the Prime Minister's Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council," he said. Reti speaking at the announcement. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro "New Zealand has a proud history of innovation, from agri-tech to clean energy, and these institutes will build on those strengths while unlocking new frontiers. This is not only research, it's about jobs growth and global impact, it's about delivering long term value for New Zealanders." Asked what consideration had been given to ethical AI use, Luxon said managing the negative impacts of AI had to be done in a "multilateral" way, buy working with other countries to build legislative frameworks for it. "There is a lot more upside with AI than there is downside, and this is a country that needs to embrace a lot more AI, quantum computing, synthetic biology, all of those," he said. "We understand the challenges around AI, but we will manage that through global forums, in terms of building out strong legislative frameworks. But the bigger opportunity is for us to get on and embrace it, because it's not coming, it's actually already here." Luxon said New Zealand had a history of producing "incredible" scientists. Reti and Luxon speak to media. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro "I don't want this to be a country where we proudly say, 'oh, we invented that', and then someone else around the world commercialised it," he said. "Just look at Denmark, right? Think about the work that they did on pharmaceuticals, around weight loss drugs, Ozempic and other things that have been huge around the world. That is powering that economy. That is a huge focused investment in science and technology." Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges said it's a move that follows clear calls from the business community to supercharge the city's tech future. "This is just the start. We now need to double down on digital skills, commercial investment, and putting our startups on the global map," he said Bridges said the suburb of Newmarket was a natural home for the new institute. "Newmarket offers the full package - advanced R&D, space to scale, and commercial potential. "I certainly hope the institute will be based at Newmarket, it is the right place for it. But regardless of the precise final location, Auckland is the right launchpad for a national push into advanced tech." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
3 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.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Minister Judith Collins hospitalised after 'nasty bout of vertigo'
Minister Judith Collins. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Minister Judith Collins was taken to hospital in an ambulance on Tuesday evening due to a "nasty bout of vertigo". She was in Wellington Hospital where she remained overnight, but was now recovering at her Wellington home, and said she was "on the mend". Collins posted on social media on Wednesday evening saying she "found out the hard way" that a "virus followed by several flights" can cause vertigo. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, whirling, or dizziness. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, difficulty walking, and loss of balance. Collins described it on social media as "like seasickness multipled." Over the weekend, Collins visited a range of Defence Force bases using a combination of NZ Defence Force and Commercial flights in her capacity as Defence Minister. Collins thanked the "wonderful, professional care" from Wellington Free Ambulance and Wellington Hospital, and told RNZ she was very grateful for the "excellent initial care" from her colleague Dr Shane Reti. Reti has an office on the same floor as Collins. Collins will eventually travel back to her Auckland home, and suggested people "don't be alarmed" if they see her "with a little support." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Aotearoa's AI strategy risks leaving Pasifika behind, expert warns
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Last week, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, announced New Zealand's first AI Strategy. Photo: 123RF/Alexander Limbach An award-winning Sāmoan software engineer warns that Pacific communities could be 'coded out of the future' in light of New Zealand's newly-released artificial intelligence strategy . In an interview on Pacific Mornings , Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele notes that while the strategy marks a necessary first step, it fails to address the needs and realities of Pacific communities. "What we have to understand is AI itself and this strategy affects everyone, but if we look at it from the view of our Pacific communities, who, from experience, are often on the margins of digital change, the stakes are higher," Lafaele says. "So why it's higher is if we're not at the table, we risk being coded out of the future." Young New Zealander of the Year Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele. Photo: Supplied Last week, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, announced New Zealand's first AI Strategy. It aims to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy. "The Government's role in AI is to reduce barriers to adoption, provide clear regulatory guidance, and promote responsible AI adoption," Reti says. "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." Dr Shane Reti Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii With an estimated $76 billion to New Zealand's GDP by 2038, Reti says Aotearoa is falling behind other small, advanced economies in AI-readiness, with many businesses still unprepared for the technology. Lafaele says the strategy recognises AI not only as a tech issue but as an economic, cultural, and social one. "Private sector AI adoption and innovation will boost productivity by unlocking new products and services, increasing efficiency, and supporting better decision-making. "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. "The real test for me really is its execution, and something that I've reflected on these key parts that this strategy has, is that it's only as strong as the resourcing, the partnerships, the relationship it holds, and also something that some strategies miss out is the equity applied." Through her work with Fibre Fale, an initiative to increase Pacific representation in the tech industry, Lafaele has consistently advocated for Pacific voices in decision-making processes. "At Fibre Funding, what we noticed when we were doing the work in digital inequity was that there is an AI divide or AI gap, and the AI dividing gap is the gap between those who use AI, but also those that don't use AI. "We already know about digital inequity, from the stats that we understand that 25 per cent of our Pacific people, let alone do not have access to devices and connectivity. "Now, how else are we meant to contribute towards this AI industry? And that's to do things that in the eyes of the government or other people that have equity is the basic stuff of a device and connectivity." She attributes the fear of AI within the Pacific community to digital inequity and a lack of trust and confidence from past experiences with technology. To help bridge this gap, Fibre Fale have created an AI master class designed to demystify AI and emphasise the importance of educating the community. On the future involvement of Pacific communities in AI policies, Lafaele says greater representation is needed. "Here's the thing, our people, our community already know it's coming, we just need to stop being told it's coming, it's coming. We need to have and install our community's confidence when using AI. How do you do that? Bring us to the table. "We'll tell you what to do because you've got a linear way of thinking. Bring the multifaceted, multidimensional to the table."
RNZ News
13-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
NZ's new AI strategy is long on 'economic opportunity' but short on managing ethical and social risk
By By Andrew Lensen* of Photo: Supplied/Callaghan Innovation The government's newly unveiled National AI Strategy is all about what its title said: "Investing with Confidence". It tells businesses that Aotearoa New Zealand is open for AI use, and that our "light touch" approach won't get in their way. The question now is whether the claims made for AI by Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti - that it will help boost productivity and enable the economy to grow by billions of dollars - can be justified. Generative AI - the kind powering ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Google's video generator Veo 3 - is certainly earning money. In its latest funding round in April, OpenAI was valued at US$300 billion . Nvidia, which makes the hardware that powers AI technology, just became the first publicly traded company to surpass a $4 trillion market valuation . It'd be great if New Zealand could get a slice of that pie. New Zealand doesn't have the capacity to build new generative AI systems, however. That takes tens of thousands of NVIDIA's chips, costing many millions of dollars that only big tech companies or large nation states can afford. What New Zealand can do is build new systems and services around these models, either by fine-tuning them or using them as part of a bigger software system or service. The government isn't offering any new money to help companies do this. Its AI strategy is about reducing barriers, providing regulatory guidance, building capacity, and ensuring adaptation happens responsibly. But there aren't many barriers to begin with. The regulatory guidance contained in the strategy essentially said "we won't regulate". Existing laws are said to be "technology-neutral" and therefore sufficient. As for building capacity, the country's tertiary sector is more under-funded than ever, with universities cutting courses and staff. Humanities research into AI ethics is also ineligible for government funding as it doesn't contribute to economic growth. The issue of responsible adoption is perhaps of most concern. The 42-page " Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses " document, released alongside the strategy, contains useful material on issues such as detecting bias, measuring model accuracy, and human oversight. But it is just that - guidance - and entirely voluntary. This puts New Zealand among the most relaxed nations when it comes to AI regulation, along with Japan and Singapore . At the other end is the European Union, which enacted its comprehensive AI Act in 2024, and has stood fast against lobbying to delay legislative rollout. The relaxed approach is interesting in light of New Zealand being ranked third-to-last out of 47 countries in a recent survey of trust in AI . In another survey from last year, 66 percent of New Zealanders reported being nervous about the impacts of AI . Some of the nervousness can be explained by AI being a new technology with well documented examples of inappropriate use, intentional or not. Deepfakes as a form of cyberbullying have become a major concern. Even the ACT Party, not generally in favour of more regulation, wants to criminalise the creation and sharing of non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes. Generative image, video, and music creation is reducing the demand for creative workers, even though it is their very work that was used to train the AI models. But there are other, more subtle issues, too. AI systems learn from data. If that data is biased, then those systems will learn to be biased, too. New Zealanders are right to be anxious about the prospect of private sector companies denying them jobs, entry to supermarkets , or a bank loan because of something in their pasts. Because modern deep learning models are so complex and impenetrable, it can be impossible to determine how an AI system made a decision. And what of the potential for AI to be used online to mislead voters and discredit the democratic process, as the New York Times has reported, may have occurred already in at least 50 cases. The strategy is essentially silent on all of these issues. It also doesn't mention Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. Even Google's AI summary tells me this is the nation's founding document, laying the groundwork for Māori and the Crown to coexist. AI, like any data-driven system, has the potential to disproportionately disadvantage Māori if it involves systems from overseas designed (and trained) for other populations. Allowing these systems to be imported and deployed in Aotearoa New Zealand in sensitive applications - healthcare or justice, for example - without any regulation or oversight risks worsening inequalities even further. What's the alternative? The EU offers some useful answers. It has taken the approach of categorising AI uses based on risk : This feels like a mature approach New Zealand might emulate. It wouldn't stymie productivity much - unless companies were doing something risky. In which case, the 66 percent of New Zealanders who are nervous about AI might well agree it's worth slowing down and getting it right. Andrew Lensen is a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington -This story was originally published on The Conversation.
