University of Otago Stories

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University of Otago stories

Force majeure declared on all forecasts for 2026

Geopolitical tensions and higher fuel costs are clouding New Zealand's 2026 outlook, with economists warning of slower growth and firmer inflation.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sat, 21st Mar 2026

EduTech

NZ universities accepting English proficiency tests through Duolingo

New Zealand universities now accept Duolingo English tests from overseas students, reflecting a global shift in language proficiency checks.

By Gill Bonnett • 3 min read • Thu, 8th Jan 2026

EduTech

AI adoption could boost NZ productivity by NZD $108 billion by 2038

AI could boost New Zealand's productivity by NZD $108 billion by 2038, doubling current rates through improved skills, infrastructure, and public sector digitisation.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Wed, 3rd Dec 2025

Health Technologies

KiwiNet Awards celebrate innovators driving real-world impact

The 2025 KiwiNet Awards celebrated New Zealand innovators transforming research into global-impact solutions across tech, health and sustainability sectors.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Oct 2025

Data Protection

AI-scribes boost GP efficiency but raise ethics concerns in NZ care

AI-powered transcription tools boost efficiency for 40% of New Zealand GPs but spark ethical and data security concerns amid evolving regulations.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Tue, 12th Aug 2025

Power / Energy

Toast Electric expands to help families facing winter hardship

Toast Electric is expanding to Horowhenua and Wairarapa, aiding New Zealand families struggling with winter energy hardship through discounted electricity and support programmes.

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Thu, 12th Jun 2025

AR, VR & Metaverse

Virtual reality app oVRcome reduces social anxiety by 35%

A clinical trial in New Zealand shows the virtual reality app oVRcome cuts social anxiety symptoms by 35.3%, marking a breakthrough in mental health treatment.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Mon, 18th Nov 2024

EduTech

Otago University to establish tech hub presence in Queenstown

The University of Otago plans a permanent site in Queenstown, aiming to boost local growth and technology innovation, aligned with Vision 2040.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Fri, 4th Oct 2024

Massey University

New law to bypass resource consents sets off alarm bells

Experts warn the proposed fast-track regime could cut community input and leave major projects with weaker environmental scrutiny.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Wed, 6th Mar 2024

University of Otago

Technology Queenstown unveils plan to transform district into tech hub

Tech Queenstown targets to mould Queenstown Lakes District into a global tech hub, leveraging its potential for a bustling tech sector set to generate $1bn annual GDP by 2043.

By Tom Raynel • 3 min read • Mon, 5th Feb 2024

Enterprise Resource Planning

ETS reform options ‘disappointing’

Two of the Government’s four ETS reform options would miss New Zealand’s climate goals, leaving businesses to face continued uncertainty.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 19th Jun 2023

University of Otago

Three Waters debate drowning out the real issue

Public health risks from contaminated drinking water remain at the heart of the reforms, as debate over local control overshadows safety.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 5th Dec 2022

EduTech

Virtual reality app reduces phobias through NZ trial

Virtual reality (VR) therapy could help people overcome phobias, according to a trial at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Thu, 21st Jul 2022

Digital Transformation

LINQ system shows University of Otago could save 10,000 hours of time

LINQ's modelling showed by consolidating five systems into one, the university could reallocate 10,000 hours of time - the equivalent of six full-time staff.

By Jessie Chiang • 3 min read • Fri, 3rd Jun 2022

University of Otago

Construction sector twice as vulnerable to suicide

New Otago University research shows New Zealand’s construction workers face more than twice the suicide risk of the wider workforce.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Wed, 10th Nov 2021

University of Otago

Housing crisis could be to blame for spike in Covid cases

Overcrowded emergency housing is increasingly being linked to new infections as officials warn the delta variant is spreading among vulnerable groups.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Wed, 29th Sep 2021

Data Privacy

80 years of failed health reforms – can Health NZ break the mould?

Patients could see faster, fairer care if the overhaul works, but experts warn its success will hinge on funding, delivery and local buy-in.

By Staff Writer • 10 min read • Wed, 21st Apr 2021

University of Otago

12 ways New Zealand can strengthen its border

Repeated COVID-19 border failures have exposed gaps in New Zealand's managed isolation system, prompting calls for tougher controls and better quarantine.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sun, 14th Feb 2021