Waka Kotahi's Hoe ki angitū - Innovation Fund will see $15 million allocated over two years to support the development of solutions to identified transport challenges. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Twenty-four innovative transport projects are set to receive $4.2 million in government funding, as the first round of Waka Kotahi's Hoe ki angitū support is announced.
The transport agency received more than 110 applications for its initial round of innovation funding, which was launched in June.
The fund's aim is to make transport greener and safer, with $15m allocated over two years to support a range of private sector innovators and innovations.
Applicants for each round of funding are asked to respond to identified transport challenges, such as encouraging mode shift, decarbonising freight, improving road safety outcomes and reducing maintenance spend.
[Among the successful first-round applicants https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/innovation-fund/innovation-fund-round-one-successful-applicants.pdf] were groups that planned to trial the use of textile fibres in asphalt, pilot a network of micromobility hubs around Auckland's Panmure Station, and trial a rent-to-own e-bike service.
Minister of Transport Michael Wood said ideas from creative New Zealanders were crucial in meeting the challenge of a low-carbon future.
"The government is upgrading New Zealand's transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come," he said.
"However, we know we can't solve some of the challenges we face alone, that's why we went looking for Kiwi ingenuity to help find solutions to some of our global transport challenges."
In addition to financial support, the successful applicants will be supported by Waka Kotahi with access to data, transport expertise, help to navigate land transport regulation and support with real-world testing.
A second round of challenges will be announced later this month.