Manufacturing
New Thinking
Model set on fire, stabbing at fashion week
A model was set on fire and a mannequin was viciously stabbed - all in the name of a fashion-world first.
New Science
New understanding of 'holy grail' nanowire technology
After years of exhaustive research, computer simulations developed by Industrial Research can now replicate the way molecules behave at the nanoscale...
Smart singlets could save lives
AgResearch has developed a singlet which will automatically alert headquarters if the wearer has been injured.
New self-locking putter hits the sweet spot
A new auto-locking putter is causing a stir in the golfing world. And the technology behind it, developed in part by Industrial Research, is now set to revolutionise a whole range of building and machine fasteners...
New power source right under our feet?
A city the size of Christchurch could be powered by generating geothermal electricity from the heat in our disused oil and gas wells, reckons GNS Science. There are over 300 old wells with the heat to become significant generators. What’s more, many more old wells could be directly tapped for their geothermal riches.
Non-plastic fantastic
Our world is hugely dependant on petroleum-based plastics and other non-renewable materials. But renewable “biofibres” such as wood, flax or hemp could take over – and sooner than many think. Scion, a Crown Research Institute, wants to realise products that are made with less energy, do the job at least as well, and ultimately don’t grow the landfill.
Building kiwi homes to withstand shakes
With almost 400 earthquakes large enough to be felt each year, and thousands more either too small or too deep to be felt, how can New Zealand homes and building be safe enough without incurring earth-shattering costs? New earthquake loading standards in the Building Code call on latest GNS Science knowledge to deliver strength at a realistic budget.
New Value
New technology used to pick out fakes
New technology developed by AgResearch can be used to detect fake designer clothing.
The AgResearch Designer Collection?
Why would AgResearch scientists want a runway show at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week?
Keeping the natural goodness when scaling-up production
Natural skin and health-care company The Herb Farm is now meeting client demands in New Zealand and considering export markets, following a successful scaling-up of its production line.
Unique fabrics showcase NZ agri-science
Project Aho, the premier feature of ‘The Science of Farming’ exhibit at the National Fieldays, is a unique partnership between AgResearch, National Fieldays, University of Waikato and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and presents keynote research, ingenuity and clever marketing – all based on the sheep and the possum.
Flax surfboard very green
A surfboard made from native New Zealand flax (harakeke) is on display at Wellington Airport. Three Crown Research Institutes collaborated to develop this biomaterial which replaces fibreglass, handles the wet, looks good and is very tough - and has many industrial and domestic uses.
R&D key to business growth
Industrial Research helped an Auckland company become a world leader in its field thanks to funding from FRST's Technology for Business Growth scheme.
$1m Kiwi magnet attracts buyer
A $1 million superconductor with powerful magnetic forces has been designed and built by IRL in Wellington and sold to Australia.
007 chic will keep you safe in warzone
Looking for something chic yet functional to turn heads in a warzone? Look no further ...
Portable 'SuperEx' helps fast-track business
A portable extraction plant designed by IRL engineers, for on-site pilot production, should help fast-track New Zealand’s food and cosmetics industries.
Easy care wool shirts from AgResearch
In a world first, AgResearch scientists have developed a lightweight, pure wool machine washable shirting fabric that is made shrink resistant without the use of any chemicals and also has high natural stretch and a lively drape.
