Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Announces Major Science Investment in Auckland
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Announces Major Science Investment in Auckland
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made a significant announcement this morning at Earth Sciences NZ in central Auckland, revealing a $231 million investment over the next four years to establish the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. Joined by Dr. Shane Reti, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, the announcement marks a pivotal moment for New Zealand’s science and technology landscape.
Speaking at the event, Luxon emphasized the institute's role as a cornerstone of the government’s plan to build a high-tech, high-value economy. He stated, “This is the fourth of our institutes and our cornerstone of our government’s plan to build a high-tech, high-value economy, one that delivers long-term prosperity for all New Zealanders.” The institute will focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and synthetic biology, all of which are poised to reshape industries and boost New Zealand’s global competitiveness.
Dr. Shane Reti described the move as a “major step forward” for the country. “The institute will invest in research in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and synthetic biology, fields that have the ability to transform industries, grow high-value exports and elevate New Zealand’s global competitiveness,” he said.
The institute will be based in Auckland and will operate in collaboration with universities, industries, and existing research institutions. Luxon addressed concerns about the potential negative implications of AI, stressing the importance of a framework that manages its risks while reaping its benefits. “There is a lot more upside with AI,” he said. “And this is a country that needs to embrace a lot more AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology.”
Luxon expressed confidence in New Zealand’s scientific talent, noting that the country already has a strong foundation in these fields. “We have the smartest, best people in the world, period,” he said. “If we can apply and use our science in a way that actually powers up our future growth and innovation, that’s what’s going to create the high-paying jobs for future New Zealanders, our kids and our grandkids, which is pretty exciting.”
The new institute will also leverage existing resources, including approximately $80 million from the Callaghan Institute. Reti confirmed that several groups, such as the Product Accelerator Group, the Health Tech Activator Group, and the Technology Innovation Group, will be transferred to the new institute. This move is expected to streamline operations and enhance the institute’s impact on the national innovation ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Erica Stanford is also in Auckland today, preparing to make an announcement about a shift away from open-plan classrooms in schools. She has stated that feedback from schools across the country has shown that open-plan designs often create challenges related to noise and student behavior, and that the government will now prioritize standard classroom designs that offer more flexibility and better learning environments.
The new approach will include the use of glass sliding doors, allowing spaces to be open for collaborative learning or closed for focused study. This change reflects a commitment to creating environments that support a wide range of teaching and learning styles.
As the government continues to invest in education and science, both sectors are expected to play a crucial role in shaping New Zealand’s future. Luxon’s announcement signals a clear intent to position the country as a global leader in advanced technology, while Stanford’s move reflects a commitment to improving the quality of education for New Zealand’s students.
