Innovation & Technology

Air New Zealand’s baggage tracking system is now live and available to all passengers using the airline’s app.

Southern Discoveries has launched a multi-language commentary app for its Queenstown to Milford Sound coach journeys.

The National Party is promising to expand New Zealand’s EV charging network with a $257m rollout of 10,000 chargers across the country over four years.

Tens of millions of dollars is being clawed back from TNZ and the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

Remote communities and visitors between Te Anau to Milford can now access ultrafast broadband following the successful completion of a 118km fibre haul project.

Its $25k from the govt fund will go towards connecting tourism and goods exporters.

The National Kiwi Hatchery is among a group of partners trialling a robotic kiwi to help protect native birds from uncontrolled dogs in the wild.

Two ventures from the inaugural industry accelerator will receive co-funding from the $44m programme.

Air New Zealand is looking for airports around the country to support the airline’s low-emission test flights.

Regeneration and conservation projects are the latest to get co-funding from the $44m Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

The bank says consolidation through M&A or JVs will help the industry transform and adapt to a new technological era.

The operators’ decarbonisation projects are among 19 transport initiatives granted $6.4m in govt co-funding.

Hey Kiwi plans to use artificial intelligence to transform the way visitors experience NZ.

The final closing date for Stream 2 applications under the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery has been extended by just over six weeks to 15 December 2023 from its initial 31 October deadline.

An electric hydrofoil venture targeting tourism is one of four new applicants to receive co-funding from the $44m programme.

Wētā Workshop, Mediaworks and media agency MBM have teamed up to create New Zealand’s first ever 3D effect digital-out-of-home, or 3DOOH, billboard.

The Civil Aviation Authority and government and industry partners have launched a new forum designed to foster closer collaboration to help guide emerging technologies in the sector.

Christchurch Airport has signed up to buy the world’s first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck to operate at an airport.

SkyCity says the government’s decision to regulate online betting on horse racing should be extended to the fast-growing virtual casino market.

The business travel platform says its FY23 NZ bookings were 136% of pre-pandemic levels.

The government has signed agreements with three of the country’s major telcos to extend 5G services to around 55 regional and rural towns.

STAAH and B2B travel provider Travepic have partnered in an effort to provide a distribution system that generates higher revenue and profits for accommodation providers.

An application involving some well-known Queenstown operators has been granted co-funding from the $54m programme.

Techweek is returning to regions around New Zealand this May to showcase homegrown innovation and technology.

The government’s connectivity initiatives to boost the number of mobile towers has brought mobile coverage to 114 tourism spots, as of December 2022.

A new mobile app showcases the history and legacy of the Northland town of Paihia.

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Three organisations have secured funding from the initiative, which aims to encourage decarbonisation.

Rooms Online is partnering with RoomPriceGenie and OTA Insight to better manage room prices for more than 100 accommodation providers across the country.

New AI tools and insights could help the sector become more efficient and responsive.

Online experiences can help win customers and alleviate staffing and seasonality challenges, says an operator.

The Sustainable Business Network is leading the charge in helping companies assess the sustainability of their businesses with the launch of a free online toolbox.

NZ travellers expect emerging tech to become a key part of the experience over the next decade, according to a new study by the travel technology company.

The airline wants to replace its ageing Q300 domestic fleet with more sustainable aircraft by 2030.

Japan Airlines is to invest in Auckland-based Ocean Flyer’s REGENT seagliders.

Dozens of applicants seek co-funding from the government’s $54m Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

Wellington Airport has stepped up its cloud-based IT systems for check-ins, simplifying the way agents access airline systems at the airport.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre will play host to the 29th ACM Virtual Reality Software Technology Symposium in October 2023.

The government has approved a loan of up to $1.25m to hospitality software company Loaded Reports.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has published its guidance for tourism businesses interested in applying for the $54m Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

Total travel booking volumes rose 73% to 2.3 million from 1.3 million and online travel bookings increased 75% to 2 million from 1.1 million.

The future of boarding passes could soon be written on passengers’ faces as Air New Zealand looks to digitise the process through biometric facial recognition technology.

Auckland Transport’s TāmakiLink bus service now has eight new electric buses to complement an additional 27 serving the Eastern Bays routes across the city.

Up to $10 in govt co-funding is available for individual projects that could help the sector decarbonise and improve productivity and resilience.

Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands has launched a virtual reality hub enabling potential customers and commercial partners to access a fully immersive online experience of the luxury resort.

Digital city guide Concrete Playground has launched an e-commerce travel platform aimed at young travellers across New Zealand and Australia.

Kiwi company Ocean Flyer has hailed the success of the first electric seaglider test flight by US manufacturer REGENT.

Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, Sounds Air and Wellington Airport have been appointed to a 21-member Industry Advisory Board that will oversee the development of a new electric airplane.

Two in five travel managers said technology was a top pain point – however, 59% also said it was a top factor when selecting a travel management company.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Facebook owner Meta have partnered to hold an in-person digital workshop in Queenstown.