Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is celebrating the latest government announcement affecting Auckland. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) will be based in Auckland, backed by an initial $231 million investment over four years to boost science, technology, and commercialisation.

Technology & Innovation was identified as one of three key growth sector opportunities for Auckland in the Auckland mayor’s refreshed manifesto. Mayor Brown has been championing this move since May, when he announced his work in the sector under his new manifesto during the Innovation and Technology Forum.

The mayor also announced his establishment of new industry leadership under the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance at the forum. The Alliance brings together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. It will provide strategic leadership, encourage coordination, and drive deal-making and investment to strengthen Auckland’s position as a globally competitive tech and innovation hub. Last week, the Alliance Leadership Group was announced. The group brings together some of Auckland’s most respected institutions across business, research, investment, and public innovation, led by the mayor. Its joined-up approach is a first for New Zealand in the industry.

Mayor Brown says he's pleased the government decided to establish the institute in Auckland, noting the move complements his newly established alliance. He says Auckland is where the funding, research, expertise, and most local government efforts already exist.

"They've scored some big brownie points with me today. It was the most sensible decision given all the ingredients for an ecosystem of innovation already exist here. All the work is already being done here; what was missing was the leadership, which I’ve now provided under the Alliance, and the commercialisation of ideas, which I believe the institute will now provide.”

He says the move is another win for Auckland, for his manifesto, and for Auckland’s future economy.

This follows the government passing legislation to allow Chinese passport holders to more easily pass through Auckland, and the establishment of the Southern Link flight path between Southeast Asia and South America.

“It’s worth noting here that when Auckland wins, New Zealand wins. The legislation to allow hoteliers to charge a bed levy is the next logical step. These are things that don’t cost the government anything but open up Auckland’s economy to some of the largest economies and populations this side of the globe.”

The mayor has also offered his leadership and overseas connections to boost city-to-city deals for the industry.

“As former Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman says, world trade is now more city to city than country to country, and I know many of the big city leaders in China, India, and Brazil. I get to see leaders that government ministers can’t.

“I’m focused on strengthening our international connections and building on my relations further with city leaders. Auckland must be open for business so our kids don’t have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere.”

Notes:

Related mayoral releases may be found here:

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/media-centre/2025/may/auckland-mayor-takes-tech-and-innovation-to-the-next-level/

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/media-centre/2025/july/new-leadership-group-to-drive-auckland-s-innovation-future/

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