NZ Tech Podcast

Join host Paul Spain and James Bergin (Xero) as they unpack this week’s tech news, including Halter’s multi-million-dollar funding, NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2026 finalists announced, the end of the 3G era in New Zealand, landmark legal cases against Meta, concerns about privacy with smart glasses, and rising cybersecurity risks. James also shares insights into Xero’s multi-year partnership with Anthropic, aiming to deliver real-time financial intelligence, as well as Xero’s ongoing impact on productivity and innovation across New Zealand.Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Jamie Beaton, co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education. Jamie shares updates on Crimson’s impressive growth over the past five years, from expanding their core mission of getting students into the world’s top universities, to launching new ventures like the fully accredited Crimson Global Academy and New Zealand’s innovative Aotearoa Infinite Academy charter school. The conversation digs into the role of AI and technology in modern education, how Crimson leverages AI to enhance student learning, streamline visa applications, and empower teachers. You’ll also hear about Crimson’s recent acquisitions, the evolution of their own tech stack, and practical strategies for students to manage digital distractions.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

Listen in as host Paul Spain sits down with Joe Goddard (One NZ) as they explore One NZ's satellite-to-mobile networks, introduction of One Wallet and Phone Dollars and what’s next for One NZ.They also review tech news from the week including:InternetNZ’s latest findings on Kiwis’ online habits and AI caution Datagrid’s South Island 'AI factory' QR-code food labels concerns Starlink’s pricing backlash for pilots,150 years of the telephone NASA’s Artemis II launch targetA big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Dr Ojas Mahapatra, Group CEO of Mars Bioimaging Ltd, to explore cutting-edge advances in portable CT scanning and the future of medtech innovation from Christchurch.Plus a look at tech news from the week including:NZ’s new Online Scams Code2degrees and Ericsson’s private 5G rollout at Lyttelton PortNZ cyber security stratergy 2026 - 2030Apple’s budget MacBook NeoGoogle’s Play Store fee cutsSpecial thanks to our show partners 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain is joined by James Pinner, CEO of New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP), to explore the impact of New Zealand’s venture capital and startup scene. Together, they dig into the origins of NZGCP, the changing landscape for Kiwi startups, and the crucial role government funding plays in building a thriving tech ecosystem. They discuss how government-backed funds, bold startups, and a thriving venture capital landscape are driving economic growth and innovation. From unicorn success stories like Rocket Lab to the challenges of early investment and KiwiSaver’s role, this episode is packed with insights for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, the co-founder of Education Perfect, for a fascinating dive into the world of edtech innovation. Shane shares the story behind Education Perfect’s rise, building a gamified language learning platform that now helps millions of students and teachers across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation covers early development and key technical challenges, the role of AI in shaping personalised feedback and learning experiences, and thoughtful insights on balancing technology with integrity and data privacy in education.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain as he welcomes Marian Johnson for a lively discussion about New Zealand’s tech innovation scene. Explore the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, tips for aspiring finalists, Partly’s exciting journey in North America, and why New Zealand is positioned to lead globally in technology and innovation.Plus, the latest tech news including:NZ’s annual space launch limit increasedChris Liddell joins AnthropicParking fine Tech mishapsRussian Soldiers tricked by fake Starlink registrationsRing doorbell Superbowl ad sparks privacy backlashBlue Origin unveils TeraWave Satellite Internet ServiceA big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

Dive into the world of OpenClaw as Paul Spain is joined by industry leaders Seeby Woodhouse (Voyager Internet) and Nigel Parker (Vivara). together they explore what makes OpenClaw so groundbreaking, discuss its potential for transforming both the way we work and the broader tech industry, and reflect on the excitement, and risks, of this latest advancement in AI-powered assistants that’s taking the tech world by storm. Hear about its game-changing potential, security challenges, and what the future might hold. Plus, essential advice for those eager to experiment. Don’t miss this timely, thought-provoking discussion!Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

Listen in as host Paul Spain is joined by Stephen Kurzeja (2degrees) to discuss 2degrees’ direct‑to‑cell satellite coverage, and AI‑powered digital transformation. They also review the latest tech news, including Blue Origin’s lunar pivot, Kiwi AI platform helping teachers save time, SpaceX files million‑satellite orbital data‑centre plan, Moltbook's social media for AI, Tesla’s robotics shift, wearables ban at the Australian Open, and much more.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain as he sits down with Sam Vye of Syos Aerospace, a trailblazing New Zealand tech company shaking up the unmanned vehicle industry. Hear how Syos rapidly prototypes cutting-edge drones, outpaces global defence giants, and scales from Kiwi innovation to international contracts. Discover their unique engineering culture, rapid product development, and what it takes to compete with the world’s biggest aerospace companies.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Hear from host Paul Spain and Seeby Woodhouse (Voyager Internet) as they unpack this week's tech news including, One NZ kicking off its 3G shutdown in Dunedin, Radio Trackers boost Auckland’s hornet hunt, EB Games’ nationwide exit and the government’s new AI advisory pilot for SMEs. They explore Apple's choice to use Gemini AI for Siri and Grok’s deepfake controversy. Plus, Seeby shares candid reflections on leadership, work-life balance, and why coming back to hands-on management has been both energizing and inspiring.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Callum McMenamin (OpenAccess) joins host Paul Spain to unpack Manage My Health data breach, exploring critical shortcomings in cybersecurity and the lack of mandatory multi-factor authentication. They also cover Kereru.ai’s sovereign AI project with SCX.ai, plus CES 2026 highlights including gadgets, LG’s CLOiD chore robot, LEGO’s sensor‑packed Smart Bricks, Boston Dynamics’ production Atlas, Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 comeback bid, Nvidia’s Alpamayo autonomous driving platform and CES 2026 “Worst in Show”. Plus Kindle Colorsoft review and more.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain talks with Robomate founder Lachlan Murray about how robotics are transforming life in New Zealand. They cover Robomate’s origins, advances in robotic lawnmowers and vacuums and the challenges of importing and supporting these technologies locally. Murray emphasizes fit-for-purpose products and strong customer support. The episode explores China’s rapid robotics innovation, future AI trends, and how smart devices are reshaping homes and businesses across Aotearoa. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and curious homeowners alike!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as host Paul Spain sits down with Chris Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Count, an AI-powered accounting platform aiming to disrupt the likes of Xero and traditional accounting software. Chris shares his journey from early startups like Dash Tickets at university, and STQRY to working with Meta, and the inspiration and challenges behind launching Count. He discusses its rapid growth, global team, and competitive edge against industry giants. They also explore lessons learned from Silicon Valley, AI-driven development, and the future of New Zealand’s tech ecosystem.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.