Waka Kotahi seeking innovative answers to significant transport challenges in NZ

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Waka Kotahi wants to hear from innovators with solutions to some of the big transport challenges facing Aotearoa, in the second round of the innovation fund, Hoe ki angitū.

Hoe ki angitū is making $15 million available over two years to support the private and non-government sectors to develop and accelerate innovative transport projects.  

Hoe ki angitū – Innovation Fund

Round two of Hoe ki angitū focuses on three specific challenges facing our transport system:

  • How can we make roadworks safer and smarter to protect workers and other road network users?
  • How can we reduce the impact of our rapidly growing urban freight task and door-to-door delivery on our urban environments and people? 
  • How can we improve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods using different modes of transport in the same space by using new technologies and data? 

Click here for more information on Innovation Fund challenges.

Waka Kotahi, Manager of Future Transport, Lee McKenzie, says these are all challenges that need to be addressed if we move towards a cleaner, safer, more accessible and equitable transport system that enhances the well-being of New Zealanders. 

“We know great work, and out-of-the-box thinking is going on in the private sector, in our research organisations, and amongst iwi and community organisations. This fund allows us to support those passionate about solving our transport challenges,” says Waka Kotahi Manager of Future Transport Lee McKenzie.

“Hoe ki angitū means ‘paddle to opportunity’ – we encourage all innovators out there to pick up a paddle, bring their ideas and work alongside us to help shape the future of our land transport system,” says Waka Kotahi Manager of Future Transport Lee McKenzie.

Hoe ki angitū is open to projects at all stages of development, from initial ideas and testing to implementation or growth. It offers successful applicants 16 weeks of support to develop or accelerate their innovation. And the support available isn’t just financial. 

“We’re looking to align our support to the needs of individual projects. For some, this might be access to data or transport expertise within Waka Kotahi; for others, it helps navigate land transport regulations. Hoe ki angitū is all about collaboration and removing unnecessary barriers. We want to support people to unlock the potential of their innovative ideas to deliver lasting benefits for our transport system and communities across New Zealand,” says Waka Kotahi Manager of Future Transport Lee McKenzie.

Hoe ki angitū is being delivered through multiple funding rounds. Each round focuses on a specific set of challenges facing the transport system.  

Successful recipients from round one of Hoe ki angitū were announced in early November 2022. Twenty-four projects were awarded $4.2 million to support their innovations’ progress. Successful applicants came from various organisations, from small community groups, iwi and start-up technology companies to large research organisations.  

The successful projects from round one include an investigation of the feasibility of using recycled textile fibres in asphalt, a trial e-bike subscription service and the development of an ‘on-demand bus service for residents on Matakana Island in the Bay of Plenty, which is being designed in collaboration with Ngāi Te Rangi. 

Source: © 2022 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

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