Kia ora
We have just come off the back of Techweek26, and I hope you were able to attend events – both in person and online.
I attended the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and it was great to see some of our biotech companies represented: Aroa Biosurgery, Alimetry, BioOra, and MACSO Technologies (winner of the Fujitsu Most Innovative Deep Tech Solution award). It is important that our biotech companies enter awards like these – they give your company instant credibility, third‑party validation, and a spotlight you simply can’t buy. When you enter, you’re not just competing; you’re creating content, visibility, and buzz that positions your brand as a leader across New Zealand and the world.
I remain positive about “backing the biotech horse”, as the rest of the world continue to value biotech as a critical technology platform. However, here in New Zealand we need to add more technology tools into your business – so make sure you stay curious about AI, and (of course) I have to highlight quantum too.
Getting more value from your membership
I really value our current members. Tech New Zealand has re-branded, and I want to highlight how you and your team can get more out of your membership.
- Networking events: BioTechNZ runs events including our annual Life Sciences Summit, and there are also a number of events and conferences across the Tech New Zealand community. Make sure you check out what’s coming up.
- Member Hub: An exclusive online community designed to help members connect with each other and access member-only events, resources and updates in one place. The Hub runs on Circle (browser + mobile app) and is designed to strengthen connection across Aotearoa year-round. Learn more→
- Working groups across Tech New Zealand communities: If you are a multi‑member, you and your team can access these. BioTechNZ is just standing up Engineering Bio, and you have the opportunity to join and make a difference to New Zealand.
Life Sciences Summit 2027
We’re starting work on content for the Life Sciences Summit in March next year. If you’re interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor—or you have a great content idea—we’d love to hear from you: lifesciencessummit@technewzealand.org.nz.
BioTechNZ Ambassador Programme
BioTechNZ is launching our second-year cohort Ambassador Programme and is looking for passionate people to help grow Aotearoa’s biotech community. You don’t need a biology background – just interest, energy, and a desire to contribute.
As an ambassador, you’ll help share content, support events and campaigns, and connect with others. Register your interest here→
Submissions/Regulation Update
Regulations still hamper innovation in New Zealand. If you haven’t read the newly released KPMG Agritech Business Agenda, it’s worth a look. One key point:
“The key concern is that the failure to modernise the biotechnology legislation comes with a risk of locking New Zealand into a diminished competitive position, with farmers denied access to globally standard tools critical for resilience, productivity and long-term viability”.
Public Submission: Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill.
The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm Monday, 15 June 2026.
This bill proposes to amend the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 to streamline and improve application processes and pathways, support risk-proportionate decision-making and public participation, and enhance compliance, monitoring, and enforcement under the Act.
BioTechNZ will be putting in a submission – please email info@biotechnz.org.nz to join our working group.
Upcoming Events
Awards
The 2026 AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards (for companies doing business with the USA) have just launched. This year includes exciting new categories including space, defence, security, frontier technologies, health & life sciences, FMCG, sustainability and cultural connections. Learn more→
We’ve seen several BioTechNZ members as finalists over the last few years, including AdInstruments, Bridgewest Group, AgriZeroNZ, Aroa Biosurgery, Pharmaceutical Solutions (now HiRO), to name a few.
2026 Biosciences Enterprise Forums – Auckland
Join us for the 2026 Biosciences Enterprise Forums – a key series of intimate, high-impact sessions bringing together Auckland’s biotech leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry experts.
Hosted in partnership with the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology/University of Auckland, these forums spotlight emerging opportunities in deep tech for health, precision fermentation, gene editing commercialisation, sustainable biomanufacturing, and the evolving bioeconomy.
Next event: Friday, 26 June: Register here →
Guest speaker is Sean Westbrook, Chief Executive Officer at Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Welly Biotech ‘n’ Beers
Keep an eye out for the next dates.
Bio USA 2026
22-25 June | San Diego, CA
The New Zealand stand in the Pavillion is well underway – thank you to NZTE for your support. Brandon Capital and Bridgewest Ventures will also be supporting through networking events.
Learn more about Bio USA 2026 →
AusBiotech
20-23 October 2026 | Queensland
Let me know if your organisation is keen to be part of our New Zealand biotechnology stand for 2026, and any thoughts on what worked well last year or what we could improve. I look forward to hearing from you. Please email info@biotechnz.org.nzLearn more about AusBiotech 2026 →
Member News
I just took the tour at Keraplast, as part of the Natural Health Product Summit. I was really impressed by the company’s growth. Well done to Howard Moore, one of our biotech entrepreneurs, who has been a CEO since 2023. Keratin is an exciting ingredient for human and animal health, check them out.
Remember to send us your good news so we can share with fellow members.
Ngā mihi,
Zahra Champion Executive Director, BioTech New Zealand
Read full news here: Awards Matter | May Newsletter