NEW ZEALAND

History of world-class life sciences research and development
Well-funded science R&D and a well-educated population
Disease-free animal status: New Zealand is a leading supplier of animal-sourced biological materials and environmentally driven natural products
Cost-effective R&D: high caliber research at less than 50 per cent of the cost of research in other industrialized countries
A rapidly growing biotech industry: 50 per cent of core biotech companies have been founded within the last three years
Respected legal procedures for corporate governance, auditing and ethical business
Ranked as the world’s third most economically free country and second least corrupt country (The Index of Economic Freedom 2004 Annual Report)
The most common biotechnologies used in New Zealand are those used in processing and manufacturing, reflecting the investment of the private sector, particularly within ag-biotechnology
Of the 650 partnerships and alliances formed over 2004 and 2005, almost 75 per cent were formed outside of New Zealand. Examples of significant relationships and license deals include agreements with Procter & Gamble, Roche and MundiPharma
There are six major venture capital funds active in New Zealand targeting biotechnology investments.In December 2005, these funds had more than NZ$440 million committed capital.

New Zealand biotechnology plays a critical part in New Zealand's economy, contributing NZ$300 million to $400 million each year. It employs more than 2,200 people in New Zealand.
Major strengths:
Ag-biotech: large animal and forage genomics; forestry transgenics; animal health solutions; enhanced foods and dairy products
Biomedical: diabetes; cancer immunotherapeutics and diagnostics; neurological diseases; physiological modeling; fetal growth and development; immunological mechanisms; osteoporosis and bone health
Industrial biotech: bioprospecting; biomanufacturing; bioenergy and bioremediation
Over 50 biotechnology organizations released new or significantly improved products or services during 2004 and 2005.
There are currently 11 New Zealand-developed human health products in various stages of clinical development.
Expenditure on biotechnology increased by more than 20 per cent between 2004 and 2005, with export revenue increasing more than 30 per cent in the same period.
The Australian and New Zealand biotechnology sectors collaborate closely. The Australia New Zealand Biotechnology Alliance represent the world's fifth largest biotechnology hub.
Biotech activity is centered around four clusters within easy traveling distance of one another.
The industry is represented by NZBio, the biotechnology national industry body.

Growth of the biotech industry identified as critical to the growth of the national economy
Wide range of government funding available covering basic and applied research, product development and training and employing scientists and life sciences professionals
A comprehensive and ethically sound regulatory environment, committed to ensuring that research is carried out safely in the interests of industry and the public. A public commission into the use of genetic modification in modern society resulted in the acceptance of genetic modification, with great caution.
March 2005 saw the launch of the first ever life science venture capital fund in New Zealand, heralding a new era in regional investment capability in biotechnology.
Tax: 100 per cent tax deductibility for R&D, and depreciation allows for Intellectual Property costs
Infrastructure: New Zealand is well-connected globally and has excellent telecommunications networks and land transport links, and three international airports
New Zealand's regulatory environment supports research and development activities with significant developments in the last three years to address a broad set of issues, from embryonic stem cell research to xenotransplantation.

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