High-tech help assessed

Industry New Zealand has hired former ANZ Securities chief executive William Randall to report on how the Government can help the biotechnology industry.

Mr Randall, who has just completed a doctorate in marine biology at Auckland University, has been consulting industry players to prepare a "scoping report" for Industry NZ.

"He is identifying the issues that the Government has an involvement in and whether something can be done about them," said Industry NZ acting chief executive Bruce McLean.

"We want to identify whether there are issues where the Government can help to facilitate solutions or remove blockages and help gain value in the industry.

"We'll then look to test our findings with a broader group of stakeholders."

Industry NZ was set up by Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton last year to promote industry development with advice and grants.

Other reports are being prepared for forestry and light alloys.