Lower Hutt continues to emerge as a science and technology heartland within the Wellington region. This is where it happens – innovative, hi tech, product development and manufacturing with the potential for sustainable economic growth.
Government’s commitment to the city by deciding to locate one of three ATIs here confirms our place as a key player in growing New Zealand Gross Domestic Product through science-related industries I told Vibrant Hutt.
We already have more than 800 businesses that are based on science and technology. Most are reaching out globally to sell products which have been developed locally here, in Lower Hutt.
Organisations like business gold award winners Mesynthes built their business on a new technology product for wound and tissue repair that is being marketed around the world. They work with leading surgeons, clinicians, nurses and researchers throughout the world. There are many other organisations that have been equally successful.
The long-term growth of our economy in Lower Hutt demands fresh thinking and an entrepreneurial attitude, expert input, and involvement and support from the whole community.
The Hutt City Council is already working with companies to assist them in their growth by easing the way for business in the form of resource consents and a business stimulus package designed to encourage developers to our city.
We are also working with the technology valley working group which has a mission to transform the valley through regional engagement in research, technology and engineering.
One of our shared projects was sponsoring scholarships through the Open Polytechnic for primary school teachers to undergo intensive study in science. The objective is to develop skills so that they can ignite a passion for science among young people.
Capturing the interest of young people is one way of developing a life-long interest in science.
There has also been support for creating clean environmentally friendly energy converting oxygen and water into hydrogen from electricity generated by solar panels and wind turbines. This was demonstrated to Pacific Island leaders at their forum held in Rarotonga. The Pacific leaders were impressed.
There are also lots of new ideas outside the mainstream of science and engineering manufacturing. This is our community working together across all levels to deliver on science and technology in our city with people from all walks of life to make a difference in our city.
The opportunities for new technology to make an impact on our city are huge. We need to have confidence in our future in the knowledge that we have a potential in the field of science and technology.
We need to continue to bring forward ideas that can be nurtured and developed into business enterprises which will provide the opportunity for jobs in science and technology for our young people and build prosperity for our city .
No comments:
Post a Comment