New Zealand's distance from world markets has bred a distinctive spirit of ingenuity and innovation, and transport technology is no exception. Unique geography, creative mindsets and an innovation-friendly business environment have made New Zealand a natural nerve centre for developments in advanced transportation.
New Zealand’s first and only commercial aerospace company Rocket Lab is on a mission to “democratise space” and bring the world to New Zealand’s shores to launch to outer space.
See how New Zealand company Dotterel, developers of noise reduction and audio recording technology for UAVs, found success after working with NZTE.
According to the Human Capital Report, World Economic Forum 2016
New Zealand has multiple natural advantages as a place to develop and test advanced transport solutions. Its relative isolation from more crowded parts of the world gives it a large area of clear airspace, with an ideal environment for earth observation and data calibration and a range of suitable sites for ground infrastructure.
New Zealanders are well-known for creative approaches and their ability to find unexpected solutions to problems. In the advanced transportation sector this naturally innovative mindset is underpinned by a science system that supports knowledge-intensive firms, and a business-friendly taxation system that supports capital development and research and development spending.
Combining a proven reputation as a trusted and responsible global citizen with a nimble and responsive government system, New Zealand is a place where things get done. Its regulatory environment is supportive of developing a safe, innovative and thriving ecosystem for advanced transport development both in the air and on the ground.
New Zealand is a globally-connected economy, with agreements in place for technology transfer and research collaboration. Its location also offers excellent transport and distribution links to all major international markets, including Europe, North America and Asia.
Unmanned aircraft and autonomous vehicles are a rapidly growing sector worldwide. New Zealand is well-placed to be a major participant in this growth – with an internationally-regarded aviation regulator, a risk-based regulatory regime, and a commitment to supporting the development and integration of innovative technologies.
Varied terrain in a compact landmass makes New Zealand ideal for putting technology to the test in a wide range of rural and urban conditions, landscapes and climates. Underpinning these advantages are significant expertise in software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, composite materials and aviation design.
Central and local government, as well as major infrastructure providers, are supportive of trials for developing and bringing to market innovative forms of remotely piloted and autonomous air vehicles. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is actively working on a programme of Airspace Integration Trials to accelerate the integration of advanced unmanned aircraft.
On the ground, White, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has partnered with the Australian and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) to advance autonomous vehicle integration in New Zealand. The key focus areas cover regulation, planning, infrastructure, public transport solutions, micro-mobility, transport hub intensification and funding opportunities.
The global space sector is seeing a shift away from government-driven R&D and innovation towards a boom in dynamic, private start-ups. New Zealand's unique location and conditions make it an attractive choice for investment in these 'new space' initiatives.
Distance offers an advantage for New Zealand's space industry, with airspace and launch windows that are relatively uncluttered, a wide range of suitable ground infrastructure locations, and an ideal environment for earth observation, data calibration and validation. New Zealand is home to the world's first fully private orbital launch range, with plans for the highest launch cadence in the world, at up to 120 launches per year.
Several New Zealand universities are actively involved in space-related research, with opportunities to grow local satellite design and manufacturing capability as well as other science, technology and engineering research related to the space industry.
New Zealand has proactively developed a best-practice regulatory regime to govern outer space and high-altitude activities, designed to encourage space activity while minimising risks to public safety, national security and the environment. The space industry is closely aligned to national goals to develop New Zealand as a global hub for high-value, knowledge-intensive businesses, with strong support for both local and international investment in the industry.
The latest news, events and resources for investors looking for opportunities in New Zealand.
For more information about how we can help you uncover your next investment opportunity, send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.
