Members

Aqualinc's core purpose is to equip New Zealand for world-class water management through scientific and policy research, technology development and deployment, and water management advisory services. Their research contribution to the body of knowledge required for managing the sustainable use of water is focused on groundwater (the quantity and quality of water stored and flowing between beneath the land-surface), irrigation, and strategic water management. Aqualinc is the leading independent provider of irrigation expertise across the policy-to-practice spectrum of the New Zealand water sector.

The Bragato Research Institute (BRI) provides cutting-edge science, research and development to benefit New Zealand's wine industry and its key stakeholders. Based in Marlborough, the Institute has a national focus, and global reach, providing world-leading research for commercial grape and wine production. Wine company ownership and involvement in research and development is a key driver for the new facility. The Institute will also improve integration between those involved in grape and wine research, and the commercial companies operating in the industry.

Originally focussing on Parkinson’s disease, the New Zealand Brain Research Institute has grown to include studies and clinics for other conditions, including Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis, and the normal functioning of the brain.

The Institute also provides valuable research opportunities for many students and researchers from partner institutions, such as the University of Otago, University of Canterbury, and the Canterbury District Health Board. It also works closely with partner community organisations, such as the Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Society.

BRANZ is a multi-faceted, science-led organisation that uses independent research, systems knowledge and its broad networks to identify practical solutions that improve New Zealand’s building system performance.

BRANZ undertakes and commissions research, funded by the Building Research Levy, that is both practical and drives positive change. This work helps improve industry practices around the performance of buildings and how we use them, through to informing policy and legislation.

BRANZ also contributes practical improvements in the built environment through independent product testing, assurance and consultancy services.

Cawthron Institute is New Zealand's largest independent science organisation, offering a broad spectrum of services to help protect the environment and support sustainable development of primary industries.

Based in Nelson, Cawthron works with regional councils, government departments, major industries, private companies, and other research organisations throughout New Zealand and around the world. Cawthron is a diverse organisation employing more than 275 scientists, laboratory technicians, researchers and specialist staff.

Cawthron’s scientists have expertise in aquaculture research, marine and freshwater resource management, food safety and quality, algal technologies, biosecurity, and analytical testing.

Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) is an industry owned, membership based, non-profit research and industry development organisation dedicated to servicing the needs of metal-based industries in New Zealand. While the emphasis of its activities is on heavy engineering, HERA is also servicing wider metals industry interests such as in light-gauge steel, stainless steels and light alloys. Through its specialist staff, it provides a combination of research, training, advisory, industry development and promotional services making it the national centre for metals based product design, manufacturing technology and inspection and quality assurance.

Land and Water Science is an innovative, research-based, environmental consultancy located in Invercargill, New Zealand. They have extensive experience in environmental science and resource management gained through research and consulting for and within regional councils, crown research institutes, and universities.

They aim to provide high quality, cost-effective, user-focused scientific services in a range of environmental and earth science fields.

Many projects have involved the use of high resolution spatial and temporal data which has provided an integrated view of environmental processes that range from regional to paddock scale.

LASRA is the leading research and technology provider to the hide, skin, leather and footwear manufacturing sectors in New Zealand and Australia.  They engage in research from the farm to the consumer and provide technical support to exporters. LASRA is the major provider of safety footwear testing services in Australasia. 

LASRA is a registered Private Training Establishment operating courses in leather manufacturing technology.

Lincoln Agritech is an independent, multidisciplinary R&D company owned by Lincoln University. Through research they create new science and engineering knowledge and technologies for their clients and stakeholders.

Lincoln Agritech’s work is funded through a combination of government-funded science programmes, contract research, and consultancy.

Lincoln Agritech has capability in: groundwater research to manage water quality and quantity; biotechnologies; new materials science; precision agriculture for sustainable primary production; smart sensor and measurement technologies utilising microwave sensing and machine vision; and IRRICAD^TM - software for designing pressurised irrigation systems.

Mackie Research specialises in human systems research and consultancy projects. They have specialist expertise in:

Transport: Road safety systems, active transport, schools, user-friendly transport infrastructure and systems, truck driver requirements, health and transport;
Human systems and ergonomics: Equipment evaluation, workplace systems, urban systems, sport & recreation,  biomechanics, high performance sport,  technology usability; and
Evaluations: Formative, process and outcome evaluation of interventions, programmes and initiatives in the transport, sport & recreation and health sectors.

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research has an international reputation as a leading independent biomedical research institute, with a focus on breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy.

Their cutting-edge research and clinical trials across cancer, infectious disease, asthma and allergy, gut health, and brain health are advancing understanding of the immune system to improve human health and create economic opportunities for New Zealand.

Mātai, based in Gisborne-Tairāwhiti, is focused on enhancing the capabilities of medical imaging using new and advanced software, post-processing, and artificial intelligence. They take a collaborative approach, drawing on a network of leading expertise nationally and internationally. Their research supports kaupapa Māori and their community toward a better understanding of a healthy brain, heart, and body with the goal of improving health and social outcomes for Kiwis of all ages. Areas of research interest include mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and cardiovascular disease, alongside projects that impact the well-being of Tairāwhiti’s community.

The team is headed by Dr Samantha Holdsworth, a leading academic in the field of human brain imaging.

The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) is an independent medical research organisation. It is a charitable trust with over 50 staff located primarily in Wellington.

MRINZ medical scientists are dedicated to investigating the causes of important public health problems, to use this knowledge to improve the prevention and treatment of diseases, and to provide a base for specialist training in medical research. The MRINZ has research programmes in numerous fields including alternative and complementary medicine, asthma, cardiothoracic surgery, intensive care, medicinal cannabis, oxygen therapy, and stroke. Major advances have been made in all of these fields, with the research findings impacting on medical management and public health policy.

NZIMMR is seeking new and sustainable solutions for extracting resources and engineering technologies that shift minerals up the value chain.

Founded in 2018 via Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funding, NZIMMR is a Regional Research Institute based in Greymouth, New Zealand.

They nurture a synergy of stakeholders to build a future where extractive industries, the materials sector, academia, and members of the public participate and share.

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research is a non-profit research institute that carries out high quality, long-term, socially beneficial research programmes.

It aims to promote well-informed debate on public policy issues, placing special emphasis on issues relevant to New Zealand policy. Ongoing areas of research include environmental regulation, particularly around emissions trading and water quality, housing and homeownership, labour and population economics, infrastructure and economic geography, national savings, and the evaluation of national wellbeing and sustainability.

PlantTech is a New Zealand-based research and development organisation specialising in addressing scientific challenges in New Zealand’s horticulture industry with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence [AI] technology solutions that produce competitive advantage.

A collaborative partnership founded by horticultural-aligned companies from the Bay of Plenty who have strengths in plant-based innovation, the organisation’s agile approach is based on the shared challenges of its members and the sector.

Takarangi focuses on social science research with an aim to support local indigenous communities (tribal marae) and their re-engagement with ancestral resources to improve Māori well being nationwide. There are communities in New Zealand flying under the radar in terms of extreme poverty. Lead Researcher Professor Paul Tapsell says they intend to shine a light on these types of issues and work to provide solutions.

Takarangi has been set up under the Te Potiki National Trust. Te Potiki is a not-for-profit trust that has the marae of Aotearoa/New Zealand as its beneficiaries and will always respond to the wishes of individual marae. Te Potiki was established in 2007. They are connected to Māori Maps, which helps to connect Māori descendants with their marae, linking Māori youth with their ancestral identity.

Te Tira Whakamātaki was established to connect Māori communities aimed at protecting Aotearoa’s biological resources from biosecurity risks and threats.

The network was created by social scientist Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, plant pathologist Dr Nick Waipara, and soil scientist Dr Amanda Black after identifying benefits for mātauranga Māori principles to be applied in tandem with a modern scientific approach.

The demand for traditional Māori principles in environmental management has grown exponentially, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Having started in the biological sciences, protecting Aotearoa’s taonga species and natural heritage, TTW has evolved to include advocacy, education, and wellbeing.

TiDA (Titanium Industry Development Association) is at the leading edge of titanium based products, powder metallurgy, and 3D Metal printing processes.

Demand for titanium products has greatly increased over recent years, with consumer demand for laptops, mobile phones, and sporting goods. Additionally, the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries exploit titanium and 3D Metal printing in their most advanced products. TiDA provides titanium and manufacturing process research and technology to enable all industries to unlock these opportunities. TiDA’s expertise extends to powder metallurgy with a range of metals and metal 3D printing based on small-scale powder and large scale wire-arc processes.

Verum Group is an energy and environmental research and consulting company, with specialist knowledge in new energy technologies (hydrogen, biomass conversion, advanced coal conversion) energy modelling, geological assessments, and environmental monitoring and impacts (causes and mitigation options).

Verum have integrated specialists with 30+ staff based at hubs across New Zealand (Christchurch, West Coast, Hamilton, and Lower Hutt.) They bring together the skills of world-leading engineers, chemists, geologists, environmental scientists, ecologists, and technicians to provide a wide range of services including consulting, monitoring, analysis, research and development.

WSP Research and Innovation Centre provides a broad range of high quality research, specialist consultancy and laboratory services to improve the design and performance of infrastructure for commercial and government clients. They have a proud history dating back more than 50 years to the New Zealand Ministry of Works when the company provided experimental research that informed the design and construction of major national infrastructure projects, such as hydroelectric power schemes and state highways. Today their researchers work in multi-disciplinary teams to address challenges as diverse as transportation safety, road performance, and the resilience of communities and businesses to major natural hazards.

Based in Alexandra, Xerra Earth Observation Institute is an independent Regional Research Institute. They conduct world-class research in the areas of Earth observation (EO) and remote sensing and develop new products and services that benefit regional industries and government.

Xerra's projects are designed to tackle complex problems through the application of EO data, delivering valuable insights to decision-makers, based on sound science. New Zealand’s space economy holds great potential, with value to be gained for government and industry from payloads being launched into orbit. Xerra is working closely with its peers, industry, and government to unlock the benefits from satellites passing overhead to monitor our land and sea in ways that have previously not been possible.