Kāinga Ora and Callaghan Innovation partner to transform construction through innovation

The agencies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding and hosted two targeted workshops aimed at enhancing residential construction outcomes for New Zealand through innovative and disruptive construction technology solutions.

These solutions could include manufacturing and advanced automation, decarbonisation of buildings, waste minimisation and digital tools, to help accelerate the Kāinga Ora build programme and meet targets.

Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie says innovation and partnerships are two key organisational priorities, and critical to unlocking speed, cost, quality and sustainability outcomes.

"Kāinga Ora is looking for sustainable, fit-for-purpose solutions to help us meet performance targets through areas such as energy and water use, new materials, and climate adaptation and resilience," said McKenzie.

"This relationship will allow Callaghan Innovation to identify and support emerging, high-impact clients with the technology to help us in these areas, with the end goal of becoming integrated into the Kāinga Ora build programme.

"This accelerated R&D model combined with the scale of our pipeline, means innovators also have a significant opportunity to enter, or increase their market presence.

"Our size offers a real opportunity to embrace more innovative technology to achieve a range of positive outcomes—particularly in the areas of sustainability, time, cost, quality and customer wellbeing.

"For example, increasing our use of modular construction means we can deliver new homes 30-50% quicker than traditional methods, generate less waste and reduce energy consumption," he said.

Representatives from Kāinga Ora and Callaghan Innovation at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

Callaghan Innovation Chief Executive Vic Crone says the partnership will leverage Callaghan Innovation’s technical research and development and commercialisation capabilities to help bolster construction innovation in New Zealand.

"Construction across Aotearoa New Zealand is being disrupted and transformed by both the global pandemic and sustainability challenges, yet only 9% of construction businesses feel confident about the potential opportunities this presents," said Crone.

"Construction is New Zealand's fifth largest sector, responsible for 20% of the country’s carbon emissions and contributing to 7% of our gross domestic product.

"There’s a clear need, and opportunity, for technology and innovation to make a real, positive impact on the sector."

William Hubbard co-founder of Formance, enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with industry players at the Auckland workshop.

"It was refreshing to hear the desire from Kāinga Ora to connect with the industry, and to learn more about how they’re working with Callaghan Innovation to support us to innovate," said Hubbard.

"This gives confidence to suppliers like ourselves that the future of New Zealand housing will be the best it's ever been."