Auckland innovation precinct to benefit Lower Hutt

Plans to develop an innovation precinct on Auckland's waterfront Wynyard Precinct will enhance Lower Hutt's plans to promote a technology valley, says Mayor Ray Wallace.

"Science is a key component of innovation and Lower Hutt is already established as an international hub for business development.

"Industrial Research Limited has a primary presence on the Lower Hutt Gracefield site,” he said.Business plans are to be drawn up by the Ministry of Science for the Auckland innovation precinct and they will be discussed in March of next year.

Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp said the innovation precinct will help NZ grow world-class innovative companies.

Mayor Wallace said this was already being achieved within Lower Hutt and he hoped the city would strengthen its grip on science as a core part of its business infrastructure.

"We are already growing award winning innovative companies operating from within Lower Hutt.

"The Science Ministry's plans will complement work already being undertaken here in Hutt Valley.

"There is potential benefit from Auckland City working with Lower Hutt to grow innovation for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

"Organisations like Industrial Research Limited and GNS have already put Lower Hutt on the world map as a centre for innovative practice.

"Our city will benefit from the location of a front door to science in Lower Hutt through the Wynyard precinct," he said

Mayor Wallace recently led a business delegation to sister city Tempe in Arizona which had successfully pioneered the concept of universities working with world leading scientists to nurture emerging high technology business.

"The innovation concept promoted by the Minister is long overdue and will strengthen existing science-based business in Lower Hutt which is one of the first cities in New Zealand to receive ultra fast broadband.

"UFB is a critical infrastructure for growing science-based business in New Zealand,” he said.