Innovation fund delights ITSNZ

A $15 million “challenge fund” to support transport innovation from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is welcomed as potentially game-changing by transport technology sector organisation ITSNZ.

“It’s a breath of fresh air to have this commitment from Waka Kotahi”, says ITSNZ chair Mike Rudge of the Hoe ki angitū fund.

“Across government we’ve seen an encouraging return to a technology focus from land transport policy makers, and to have some funding to get more projects happening on the ground is welcomed by technology and mobility innovators.”

Rudge says that with the pace of technological change and the huge challenges faced to urgently improve transport emissions reduction and vision zero safety, the support will enable vital work developing and testing the application of New Zealand solutions.

“We expect intense competition for the funding,” he adds.

“We hope the fund will support trials and encourage research and development which will create jobs and opportunities for New Zealand, using both local and international technology and ideas. For companies in particular it may give a strategic advantage.”

Rudge sees “incredible potential” for New Zealand to be a leader in developing and trialling better transport solutions.

“We have great examples of innovation happening here already,” he explains.

“Increased government support through the fund will help accelerate outcomes and grow their potential.” 

“We fully expect the investment will pay dividends in better transport outcomes, much as the EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) Low Emission Transport Fund has achieved for accelerating low-emission vehicle trials and charging infrastructure.”

The Transportation Research Centre (TRC) of the University of Auckland also welcomes the fund.

TRC director Doug Wilson says: “This kind of support is vital because current transport systems technologies are changing so quickly, yet city and transport infrastructure are long-life assets, often with 30 to 100-year timeframes. 

“Enabling good infrastructure decision making and evidence for policy makers today requires the understanding, trialling and monitoring of technologies that might be included in a future transport system.”

Transport researchers in New Zealand have signalled for many years that the current research funding avenues and mechanisms were lacking, Wilson adds.

“Our hopes are that Hoe ki angitū proves to be sufficiently agile for the transport sector to effectively test new ideas, products, investment needs and how customers interact with these technologies.”

ITSNZ is also hosting a discussion about the fund on Wednesday, May 18, 3pm-5pm, during Techweek (May 16-22).

Click here for more fund information.