Transport innovators land $4.2m

The government has announced it is handing out $4.2 million of funding to ingenious Kiwis to help tackle challenges facing the land transport system.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency received 110 applications for the initial round of funding for the government’s $15m innovation fund Hoe ki angitū, which was launched in May this year.

After an evaluation process, 24 applications have been approved to receive $4.2, after being asked to respond to three key challenges – accelerating the use of recycled materials and sustainable practices, integrating low-emissions first and last-mile travel solutions, and providing under-served communities with greater access to transport options.

Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, says: “The government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come. 

“However we know we can’t solve some the challenges we face alone, that’s why we went looking for Kiwi ingenuity to help find solutions to some of our global transport challenges.

“New Zealand is a country full of creative, innovative people and to help us successfully meet the problems facing the transport sector we need to tap into that creativity by jointly accelerating solutions.”

He adds innovators from the private sector, research institutions, communities, iwi and universities all submitted ideas to receive funding. 

Successful applications include the use recycled textile fibres in different types of asphalt, the pilot of a small micromobility hub at Auckland’s Panmure Station with a network of mini hubs in the surrounding neighbourhood, and a lease-to-buy e-bike trial, offering low-cost e-bikes or e-bike conversions to people who are underserved.

In addition to financial support, the successful applicants will be supported by Waka Kotahi with access to data, transport expertise, help to navigate land transport regulation, and support with real-world testing of solutions.

To see a full list of successful applications, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/innovations/innovation-fund.

A second round of transport challenges are due to be announced this month. To find out more, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/innovations/innovation-fund/challenges.