Vice-Chancellor to help guide Auckland’s innovation future

University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dawn Freshwater, has been named among a select group of prominent leaders tasked with driving Auckland’s transformation into a world-class hub for innovation and technology.

The new leadership group, unveiled by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, will steer the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance, an initiative set up to fast-track the city’s goal of becoming a globally competitive centre for innovation and technology.

Professor Freshwater will represent Auckland’s research and education sector in the initiative and says the appointment highlights the vital contribution that this community makes in shaping the future of cities and economies.

“I’m proud to represent the research and education ecosystem in this important endeavour to position Auckland as a dynamic centre of innovation and technology.

“Strong collaboration among educators, researchers, industry and local government is essential to ensure Auckland is equipped to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

The leadership group brings together a diverse cross-section from across Auckland’s innovation landscape. Alongside Professor Freshwater are Sir Peter Gluckman (Director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures), Spark CEO Jolie Hodson, Frances Valintine (founder of AcademyEX), Simon Bridges (founder of the Auckland Tech Council), Graeme Muller (CEO of NZ Tech) and Mat Rowe (co-founder and executive director of Outset Ventures). The group will begin formal work in August.

Early priorities for the group include leading a new Auckland Innovation & Technology Direction, developing a city-wide framework for innovation precincts and championing an Auckland Techweek in 2026 to showcase local success stories.

Mayor Brown emphasised that the Alliance is designed to deliver tangible results.

“We’ve got the ideas. We’ve got the talent. What we’ve lacked is coordination and a city that truly enables innovation to scale. This group is here to fix that – backing innovation that delivers real results for Auckland and lifts the whole country.”