Fund launched to fix transport woes

Waka Kotahi has launched an innovation fund to help companies and groups come up with solutions to some of the problems facing transport in New Zealand.

Called Hoe ki angitū, the $15 million fund will support and accelerate innovative projects in the sector.

Deb Hume, the agency’s national manager – multi-modal and Innovation, says the focus of the project is on encouraging collaboration with the private sector and removing unnecessary barriers to accelerate solutions.

She says: “We want to engage actively with the private sector and encourage contributions from a broad range of people – community-based organisations, iwi, rural communities, companies, start-ups and innovators.

“We know there is some great work and thinking going on in the private sector to address some of the major transport challenges we face, such as reducing emissions, encouraging mode shift, improving accessible and equitable transport options, decarbonising freight and improving road-safety outcomes.

“These challenges need to be urgently addressed to deliver a better connected, cleaner and safer system. 

“Hoe ki angitū will enable us to support those passionate about solving these problems. For successful applicants, support might be financial or it might be in other ways, including support to navigate the transportation regulatory system, access to data or capabilities or the creation of partnerships. Each project will have a unique set of needs to help it advance.”

Hoe ki angitū will launch with three specific challenges and others to be added in future rounds. With $15m allocated over two years, it will partner with and support innovators of all types and at various stages.

To be considered for funding, innovators will need to demonstrate how their project aligns with at least one transport outcome outlined in the government’s policy statement on land transport and address the problem presented in the challenge.

Applications open on June 7. More information on the fund is available here.