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BioTechNZ

Take a moment to breathe

In this issue

  • Insights from the Executive Director 
  • Life Sciences Summit
  • News and events

Insights from the Executive Director

It’s been a very tough month for many of our BioTechNZ members and communities impacted by the recent devastating weather events in Aotearoa.

My thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected and I acknowledge my community in West Auckland, with the loss of two of our whanau and many displaced families.

It hasn’t been an easy time, but what I have realised is that it is okay to stop, support people around you in most need, grieve, and then channel our energy into rebuilding as a community.  As we rebuild, I’m reflecting on how science and tech can help solve some of the biggest global challenges we are facing, climate change included.

Life Sciences Summit 2023 – the final countdown!

Final preparations are underway for our inaugural Life Sciences Summit – Biotech for a better tomorrow, March 22-23 in Wellington and I’m excited. It’s set to be an excellent event, uniting Aotearoa New Zealand’s life sciences and biotech communities across all sectors for the first time. 

Aside from our stellar speaker line-up, I’m also looking forward to meeting Wellington’s Mayor Tory Whanau at our Life Sciences Summit Dinner, plus Stuart Roberts from Pitt Street Research, who is bullish about New Zealand, saying we have all the ingredients for a very successful biotech sector. Please join us at the Harbourside Function Centre, 4 Taranaki Street for a delicious three course meal. The Life Sciences Summit Dinner is a separate bookable event and a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community:

Plus, don’t forget that BioTechNZ and NZTech members who are planning to attend the Life Sciences Summit with their team are eligible for our special group discount.

When you’re in Wellington for the Life Sciences Summit, also make use of your special delegate discounts for tours at Zealandia, Te Papa, Wētā Workshop and the Wellington Chocolate Factory. Plus check out Wellington’s free activities too. Learn more.

Visit the Gracefield Innovation Quarter (GIQ) 

Callaghan Innovation and Wellington UniVentures invite you to tour the Gracefield Innovation Quarter (GIQ), Lower Hutt, home to GlycoSyn and Te Kāuru – The Ferrier Research Institute. GIQ houses more than 200 of New Zealand’s leading scientists, researchers and technicians, along with a suite of tenant businesses. The site features state-of-the-art specialist workshops, pilot plants, labs and equipment, and world-class measurement facilities.

Tours will run on Tuesday, March 21 at either 12.00-1.30pm or 1.30-3.00pm (travel time included). Transport to and from the city is provided but spaces are limited.  Please register your interest by emailing Dr Matias Kinzurik.

Ngā mihi
Zahra Champion
Executive Director

PS: Please share your success stories with us so we can feature your news in an upcoming newsletter!


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BioTechNZ Our aim is to raise awareness and increase the understanding to enable our nation to embrace the best opportunities biotech offers to us daily, helping us live better, healthier and more productive lives.