The Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp and Mayor Len Brown today announced a new Auckland facility for high-tech companies.
Called the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct, it will house business incubators, research and development institutions, and business development providers.
The minister said in a statement that the precinct would connect entrepreneurs and businesses to international investors and partners.
“It will also be a landing pad for overseas investors looking to connect with New Zealand knowledge-intensive companies.”
A ministry spokeswoman said the landing pad included offices but it was anticipated that some of the business people involved would want to live there.
The minister said the initiative would create wealth and jobs for the country’s future.
The initiative follows on from the recent announcement of a government-funded, to the tune of $US300,000, landing pad in San Francisco, initiated by Rich Lister Sam Morgon. The pad is to be a hub for New Zealand high-tech businesses in the area and is supported by fellow Rich Listers Stephen Tindall and Rod Drury.
The Wynyard Quarter precinct also follows the government’s announcement in August of a $2.8 million talent development programme, to support up to 20 entrepreneurs each year over four years.
Auckland mayor Len Brown said in order to grow, Auckland needed to export and had asked Auckland Tourism and Waterfront Auckland among others to work with the ministry over the next few months to develop the precinct.
Mr Brown said the precinct would help retain talented Aucklanders while attracting talent from overseas.
“Technology is one of our fastest growing sectors and as it grows it will upskill our population through demand for university and training institute courses.”
The final business case for the Precinct is expected by March 2012, a release from the Ministry said.
Alex Walls
Wed, 12 Oct 2011
