Independent Research Organisations

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATION OF NZ (IRANZ)

IRANZ is an association of ‘independent’, or non-government owned research organisations.  Independent research organisations make vital contributions to a broad range of scientific fields in New Zealand.  They offer an important complement to university-based and Crown Research Institute research.  IRANZ member organisations work in partnership with end users to provide research and innovation services to a broad range of industries and communities.
Collectively IRANZ member organisations provides over $65 million of research for New Zealand and employ over 440 FTE staff.
IRANZ member organisations include:
Aqualinc Research Ltd, BRANZ, Cawthron Institute, CRL Energy Ltd, HERA, LASRA, Lincoln Agritech, Opus Research, TiDA, TERNZ, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.

Aqualinc Research Limited

Aqualinc Research equips New Zealand for world-class water management through scientific and policy research, technology development and deployment, and water management consulting services. Aqualinc’s research-based areas of expertise include water quality and allocation management, groundwater, irrigation, natural resource permitting, farm environment plans, and effluent management. Aqualinc is the leading independent provider of irrigation expertise across the government policy to on-farm practice spectrum in New Zealand.

BRANZ

BRANZ is the building and construction industry's primary provider of independent research and information.  BRANZ provides specialist research into building material and systems durability, fire and structural engineering, sustainability (including health, energy, water, and life-cycle analysis) and industry economics.  BRANZ’s expertise offers consulting, testing, and product evaluation services for manufacturers.

BRANZ manages the Building Research Levy, and applies it for industry and national good in pursuit of better built buildings.

Cawthron Institute

Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, specialising in research that supports the sustainable development of our energy and primary industries. 

We work with private clients, major industries, central and local Government organisations and other research agencies throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Our scientists have unique expertise in aquaculture research, coastal and freshwater resource management, food safety and quality, algal technologies, biosecurity and analytical testing. Their ground-breaking science is supported by substantial testing and research laboratories, state-of-the-art technology and a purpose-built aquaculture park.

Cawthron Institute is a not-for-profit organisation owned by the Cawthron Institute Trust Board.

CRL Energy Limited

CRL Energy is an energy and environmental research and consulting company, with specialist knowledge in new energy technologies (hydrogen, biomass conversion, advanced coal conversion) energy modelling, geological assessments and environmental impacts (causes and mitigation options). CRL Energy offers research, consultancy and testing in the areas of fossil fuel energy, particularly coal related, exploration and mining, fuel quality and use and environmental monitoring.

CRL Energy Ltd is an energy, minerals, and environmental research and consulting company, offering technical services in minerals exploration, geological mapping, 3D modeling, resource evaluation, hydrogeology, coal seam gas, mine drainage and site remediation, combustion, carbonisation and gasification, and air emissions and stack testing. CRL has Laboratories in Gracefield, Christchurch, Greymouth, Westport and Hamilton and has just opened a laboratory in Brisbane. This is part of a mine hazards business covering spontaneous combustion, gas, ventilation, dust and friction ignition.

Heavy Engineering Research Association

Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) is an industry owned, membership based, non-profit research and industry development organisation dedicated to servicing the needs of metal-based industries in New Zealand. While the emphasis of its activities is on heavy engineering, HERA is also servicing wider metals industry interests such as in light-gauge steel, stainless steels and light alloys. Through its specialist staff, it provides a combination of research, training, advisory, industry development and promotional services making it the national centre for metals based product design, manufacturing technology and inspection and quality assurance.

LASRA

LASRA is the leading research and technology provider to the hide, skin, leather and footwear manufacturing sectors in New Zealand and Australia.  LASRA engages in research from the farm to the consumer and provide technical support to exporters.

LASRA is the major provider of safety footwear testing services in Australasia. 

LASRA is a registered Private Training Establishment operating courses in leather manufacturing technology.

Lincoln Agritech

Lincoln Agritech is a leading edge research and development company with a track record in applying new and innovative engineering and science technologies in the primary, industrial and environmental sectors.  Lincoln Agritech has expertise which together provides a unique set of R&D solutions: Precision Agriculture Technology; Sensing Technology Solutions; Groundwater Process Characterisation; Chemical Application Research and Training; and Software Consulting (including IRRICAD - a leading computer software system for designing pressurized irrigation systems).

Our research can be found at work in a wide range of New Zealand organizations – from fundamental research assisting regional councils in the governance of groundwater quality, to targeted new product development such as new remote microwave sensors used on-farm to irrigate in just the right place. 

We are focused on developing technology solutions that capture new data and generate modeling systems that can be used to create real value to make better decisions in managing limited resources, to minimize wastage during processing, to better grade products to maximize export value, and to drive new product innovation to keep our clients at the cutting edge of global markets.

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research is a non-profit research institute that carries out high quality, long-term, socially beneficial research programmes.

It aims to promote well-informed debate on public policy issues, placing special emphasis on issues relevant to New Zealand policy. Ongoing areas of research include environmental regulation, particularly around emissions trading and water quality, housing and homeownership, labour and population economics, infrastructure and economic geography, national savings, and the evaluation of national wellbeing and sustainability.

Opus Research

Opus Research provides a range of research, specialist consultancy and laboratory services to improve the design and performance of infrastructure.  It has government and commercial clients across the infrastructure sector.

Its areas of research include – the design and performance of transport systems; transport safety; sustainable cities and settlements; and resilience to major natural hazard events.

Opus Research is a dedicated research business unit within Opus International Consultants Ltd and has its main facility in Lower Hutt, Wellington.  

TERNZ

TERNZ is an independent research company focussing on transport-related issues. TERNZ’s mission is to improve the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of the transport sector. It fulfills its mission by providing high quality, unbiased, independent information and research, to both the government and industry.

TERNZ ‘s expertise spans a wide range of transport issues from vehicle dynamics, vehicle infrastructure interaction, fuel efficiency, biofuels and freight demand through to human factors, driver behavior, the effects of transport on communities and public health and a systems approach to road safety.

Titanium Industry Development Association (TiDA)

TiDA is at the leading edge of titanium based products using powder metallurgy consolidation processes.

Demand for titanium products has greatly increased over recent years, with consumer demand for laptops, mobile phones and sporting goods. Additionally, the aerospace, medical and automotive industries use titanium to advance complex parts and products. TiDA provides titanium research and technology to enable all industries to unlock the opportunities that titanium offers. While TiDA’s focus is on titanium alloy powders, TiDA’s expertise extends to powder metallurgy with other metal and ceramic powders.

MALAGHAN INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH

The Malaghan Institute is New Zealand’s leading medical research institute focused on finding cures for cancer, asthma and allergy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and infectious disease.