Articles tagged with Penny Simmonds
Showing 15 of 34 articles
New Zealand Launches Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy for Support and Recognition
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 151 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and appreciation. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, Carers Alliance, and other groups, the plan sets ongoing, realistic outcomes without an expiration date to address carers' complex challenges. The initiative involved extensive consultation with carers and stakeholders, ensuring accountability and meaningful progress in improving carers' lives.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Ministry of Social Development Carers Alliance Mahi Aroha New Zealand Government Associate Minister Social Development Carers Strategy EmploymentNew Zealand Launches Ongoing Action Plan to Support Unpaid Carers
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 137 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and recognition. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, the Carers Alliance, and other advocacy groups, the plan is ongoing with realistic outcomes and accountability measures. The initiative reflects extensive community input and aims to provide a sustainable, long-term roadmap addressing the complex challenges carers face.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Mahi Aroha Carers Alliance Ministry of Social Development New Zealand Carers Social Development Employment Government Action PlanNew Zealand Launches NZIAT to Boost AI, Quantum Tech, and Innovation in Auckland
21 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 301 viewsThe New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) has launched in Auckland to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced technologies like AI and quantum technologies, enhancing national productivity and competitiveness. Positioned at GridAKL, NZIAT exemplifies government support for Auckland as a key hub for innovation, investment, and high-value jobs under the regional partnership framework. With $71 million committed to advanced research platforms and strong collaboration between researchers, industry, and investors, NZIAT aims to strengthen New Zealand's future prosperity and economic resilience.
Tags: Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Wayne Brown NZIAT Auckland New Zealand AI quantum technologies advanced materials GridAKLNZIAT Launches in Auckland to Boost NZ Innovation, AI, Quantum Tech & Economy
21 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 252 viewsThe New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) has been launched in Auckland to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing, boosting national productivity and competitiveness. Positioned at GridAKL, NZIAT benefits from strong government support and aims to integrate research, industry, and investment to foster innovation, high-value jobs, and economic resilience. With significant funding committed to advanced materials and quantum research, the institute strengthens Auckland's role as a leading tech hub in the South Pacific.
Tags: Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Wayne Brown NZIAT Auckland New Zealand AI quantum technologies advanced materials GridAKLSteve O'Connor Named Permanent Chair of NZ Institute of Advanced Technology
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 254 viewsSteve O'Connor has been appointed permanent Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology (NZIAT), having led the organization through its foundational phase since January 2026. NZIAT focuses on advancing technologies such as advanced materials, magnetic technologies, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology to strengthen New Zealand’s technology sector and economic opportunities. Additionally, Marko Bogoievski has joined the NZIAT Board, bringing expertise in technology investment, commercialisation, and governance to support the institute’s growth.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Steve O'Connor Marko Bogoievski NZIAT New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology advanced technology innovation artificial intelligence quantum technology venture capitalNew Zealand and Viet Nam Strengthen Education Cooperation and Student Exchange
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 287 viewsNew Zealand and Viet Nam have renewed their bilateral Education Cooperation Arrangement to deepen ties between tertiary education institutions, emphasizing skills development, innovation, and collaboration. The commitment includes expanding student and academic exchanges, supported by new Memorandums of Understanding between institutions from both countries. This cooperation aligns with New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Strategy, contributing to increased Vietnamese student enrollment and growth in education-related exports.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Hoàng Minh Sơn Luxon Tô Lâm New Zealand Viet Nam Education Cooperation Tertiary Education International Education Memorandums of UnderstandingNew Zealand Minister Penny Simmonds Strengthens Education and Innovation Ties with China
27 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 393 viewsMinister Penny Simmonds is visiting Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with senior New Zealand education leaders to strengthen bilateral ties in tertiary education, science, innovation, and technology between New Zealand and China. The trip includes meetings with Chinese education officials and visits to research and technology sites to promote collaboration, student exchanges, and institutional partnerships, supporting New Zealand’s international education growth agenda. Highlights include a visit to the New Zealand-China Joint Laboratory for Biomedicine and Health and the XPeng Technology Park, showcasing advancements in biomedical research and innovation in electric vehicles and AI.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Huai Jinpeng New Zealand China Minister of Education Shanghai Municipal People’s Government XPeng Technology Park Tertiary Education Innovation and TechnologyNew Zealand's RDTI Hits $10 Billion Supporting Business Innovation and Growth
20 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 425 viewsThe Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) in New Zealand has supported over $10 billion in business R&D investment, demonstrating growing confidence and rapid uptake, especially among small businesses. An independent evaluation in 2025 showed the scheme generates significant economic benefits, with each dollar of support leading to an additional $1.40 invested in R&D, contributing to productivity, innovation, and high-value job creation. To further enhance its impact, the government plans to introduce in-year payments for tax credits in Budget 2026, aiming to improve cash flow and encourage more businesses to invest in R&D.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Callaghan Innovation MBIE New Zealand RDTI Budget 2026 Science Technology Innovation R&D businesses governmentNew Zealand Tertiary Education Sees 8% Growth in Qualification Completions in 2025
07 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 500 viewsNew Zealand's tertiary education sector saw an 8% increase in qualification completions in 2025, with domestic completions rising 5.9% and international completions up 22%. Improved student retention and higher completion rates were noted among women, full-time students, Māori, Pacific, and Asian students, with private training establishments showing the largest domestic growth. The overall data reflects greater student engagement and progression to higher-level qualifications, supporting workforce skill development and economic growth.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Ministry of Education Education Counts Māori Pacific students Asian students private training establishments tertiary education student retention2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Honor Life-Saving Neonatal Research and Innovation
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 498 viewsThe 2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes honoured groundbreaking neonatal research by Professors Alistair Gunn, Laura Bennett, and Joanne Davidson, which established therapeutic hypothermia as a global standard for treating newborn brain injury. Other winners included researchers and educators advancing climate science, science communication, education innovation, and driver safety technology, highlighting the broad impact of science on society. From 2026, a new Innovation Prize will recognize efforts to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions, reflecting the government’s focus on commercializing Kiwi science.
Tags: Alistair Gunn Laura Bennett Joanne Davidson Penny Simmonds Luke Harrington Nic Rawlence Tania Gunn$40.68M Boost for NZ University Research Commercialisation and New IP Rules
29 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 517 viewsThe New Zealand Government is providing a $40.68 million funding boost from July 2026 to support university research commercialisation, alongside new Intellectual Property (IP) rules that give researchers greater control and incentives to bring innovations to market. This initiative, including enhanced Commercialisation Partner Network funding and new Engagement Guidelines, aims to accelerate economic growth by fostering collaboration, building commercialisation skills, and supporting early-stage ideas to develop into start-ups and products. Additional funding is also allocated to the Founder and Start-up Support Programme and the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology to expand deep-tech incubation and advanced technology development.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand MBIE NZIAT Commercialisation Partner Network Intellectual Property Management Policy Science Technology Innovation Government funding HealthTech ActivatorNew Research Projects Boost Efforts to Eradicate Yellow-Legged Hornet in NZ
23 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 535 viewsFour new research projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will support Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, focusing on risk modeling, impact assessment, targeted communication with Māori communities, and readiness planning for the apiculture sector. Since the hornet's detection in Auckland last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been removed, with no sightings since early April, but ongoing surveillance and public vigilance remain crucial. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, these projects aim to enhance eradication strategies and prepare for potential long-term management.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Auckland Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Maiangi Taiao Māori communities apiculture sectorNew Zealand’s Science Investment Plan 2026-2036 to Boost Innovation and Growth
09 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 1007 viewsThe New Zealand Government’s Science Investment Plan outlines a decade-long strategy to leverage public science funding for economic growth, resilience, and global competitiveness by focusing on four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people and society. The plan emphasizes shifting $122 million toward advanced technologies to boost productivity, innovation, and sustainability without reducing overall science funding, ensuring continuity for existing research contracts. Research Funding New Zealand will develop detailed Pillar Investment Plans by September 2026, guided by expert advisory groups, to implement these priorities effectively.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Prime Minister’s Science Innovation and Technology Advisory Council Research Funding New Zealand New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology Science Investment Plan Science Innovation and Technology Minister PMSTIAC New Zealand Government Research Funding New Zealand Pillar Advisory GroupsNew Tertiary Research Excellence Fund Boosts Innovation and Cuts Red Tape
02 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 613 viewsThe new Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF) will replace the Performance-Based Research Fund, investing $315 million annually to enhance research capability in New Zealand's tertiary education system with a focus on economic growth and reduced compliance costs. TREF emphasizes impact through metrics like external research income, citations, commercialisation, and policy outcomes, aiming to reward research excellence in a more efficient and responsive manner. Developed with expert advice and sector engagement, the fund’s operational design begins immediately, with phased implementation from 2027 and full alignment by 2029.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Sir Peter Gluckman Tertiary Research Excellence Fund TREF PBRF Tertiary Education Commission New Zealand Cabinet University Advisory GroupMichelle Findlater Appointed to Tertiary Education Commission Board for 2026
05 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 785 viewsTertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed Michelle Findlater to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for a three-year term starting May 2026. Michelle, with extensive experience in the automotive industry and work-based training, has been recognized for her contributions and potential, including receiving the Janet Lane Scholarship from MITO. Her expertise is expected to support the TEC’s focus on enhancing access, participation, and achievement in tertiary education to build the workforce New Zealand needs.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Michelle Findlater Bharat Guha Tertiary Education Commission MITO Janet Lane Scholarship Harvard University Southland Chamber of Commerce Tertiary Education Minister automotive industry