Wynyard Innovation Precinct

Bringing together in one place Auckland’s high-tech innovators, research and development providers, and organisations specialising in commercialising new products, is an exciting forward-looking initiative, said Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

“Having all the key players working from a single site to form a multi-campus of tertiary and other government agencies to locate a high-tech cluster in the Wynyard Quarter will give Kiwi entrepreneurs the best possible encouragement to convert ideas into sound commercial ventures.”

New Zealand has one of the highest rankings in terms of innovative ideas among advanced countries, but one of the lowest in terms of converting ideas into successful ventures.

The linkages that are being established through this venture between Auckland tertiary institutions and international campus style high-tech networks in California is a positive signal to help retain top Kiwi talent here, and also to attract creative people from overseas, said Mr Barnett.

Noting that a full business plan is still being prepared, Mr Barnett said that in a period of tight resources, we need to make sure we plan this venture in a way that eliminates duplication with other innovation initiatives, as well as maximizing the conversion of ideas into successful Auckland-based businesses.