On Saturday 17 November 2018, the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Megan Woods welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to release $422.5m in a second tranche of funding for New Zealand’s 11 National Science Challenges.
“I’m delighted to see that the Challenges are fundamentally changing the culture of how science is being undertaken in New Zealand. The Challenges bring our top scientists and researchers together to work collaboratively, to work across disciplines, and to
co-develop science with a broad range of stakeholders and Māori – something that we are truly leading the world in.”
BBHTC is a collaboration between over 170+ researchers around New Zealand, working in both public and private institutions.
The studies being conducted by BBHTC are designed to discover the smartest solutions for New Zealand’s built environment – ones that support thriving communities and regions and create homes and spaces for generations.
Challenge Director Ruth Berry says the second phase of funding signals a massive opportunity for all New Zealanders.
“Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities is the vehicle to ensure that everyone living in this country has the basic right to live in a safe, dry, warm home in a neighbourhood that celebrates diversity and community,” explains Ruth.
“We want Kiwis to know that no matter where they are on the housing spectrum, there is hope. Our research is providing tangible solutions to policymakers and planners so we can fundamentally change the nature of our housing sector.”
Over the past few years, BBHTC has developed a reputation for delivering quality research that focuses on addressing some of the long-standing housing challenges for our most disadvantaged.
This includes how we build more affordable housing quickly, what we need to do to shape sustainable neighbourhoods in our cities and how to ensure all regions in New Zealand can enjoy quality of life and quality of business.
