Chris Bishop
National List MP based in the Hutt Valley

18 February 2016

Bishop says TechShop in Hutt worth exploring

National List MP based in the Hutt Valley Chris Bishop is welcoming the announcement by the Hutt City Council that it will begin an assessment into the viability of bringing a TechShop to Lower Hutt.

TechShops are open access hubs for creativity; bringing together the hardware, software and people anyone might need to turn an idea or invention into reality. They work in a similar way to a gym membership, but instead of access to fitness equipment and personal trainers, members get everything they need to turn a sketch, a dream, a model, into something real.

Mr Bishop says having a TechShop in the Hutt is potentially very exciting and could be another important part of ‘Technology Valley’.

“I’m passionate about developing the Hutt as ‘Technology Valley’ – where science, technology and high value manufacturing drive economic growth, new jobs and higher wages for Hutt residents,” says Mr Bishop.

“As part of this we need initiatives like TechShop, the Lightning Lab programme by Creative HQ which ran in High St last year, and to support our young digital entrepreneurs in things like Young Enterprise and Venture Up.

“It’s also important the community work together - with Council, business, government agencies and community leaders all signing up to the ‘Technology Valley’ vision.

“Over 3,900 people across more than 825 Lower Hutt businesses are employed full-time in the high-tech sector, and the sector generates $473 million in GDP already. Lower Hutt has the fourth largest number of people in NZ employed in medium high-tech manufacturing.

“I’m looking forward to learning and hearing more about TechShop and working hard this year to promote jobs and growth in Lower Hutt.”

ENDS

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