NZ Tech Podcast

On this special NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners episode, host Paul Spain sits down with David Leach, CEO of Cin7, the winner of this year’s prestigious PwC NZ Hi-Tech Company of the Year Award. Join them as they delve into the story behind Cin7's remarkable achievement, exploring their approach to setting clear goals, scaling the business, and a strong company culture.

On this special NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners episode host Paul Spain is joined by Bex Rempel, co-founder and CEO of ZeroJet - winner of this year’s Punakaiki Fund Hi-Tech Startup Company of the year award. Bex shares fascinating insights into the development of their electric jet propulsion systems, the challenges they have faced, and the exciting potential of electric engines in the boating industry.

Join us on this special episode as David Downs, Chairman of the High-Tech Trust joins host Paul Spain to discuss the highlights from this year’s NZ High-Tech Awards and celebrate the growth and diversity of the Tech sector in New Zealand. Watch out for more episodes over the next week as we chat with some of the winners of the 2023 NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

Paul Spain is joined by guests Alex Wilson (Yubico) and Stephen Phillips (Snyk) to discuss the current state of security measures in technology, including the best ways to protect against identity theft and phishing attacks, and the impact of recent cyber-attacks. They also share their thoughts on the use of hardware-backed security keys, password managers, and biometrics as authentication factors. The episode concludes with advice for individuals and larger organizations on how to ensure their online security.

On this episode of NZ Tech Podcast, host Paul Spain is joined by guest Darrell Webster of Modern Work Mentor to discuss Apples latest developments including Apple Vision Pro - the latest virtual/augmented reality headset and 15” MacBook Air. They also discuss United Airlines' in-flight entertainment upgrades, Rocket Lab's acquisition of Virgin Orbit's key assets, NZ national space policy, EU’s investment into tech innovation, Microsoft 365’s AI capabilities for Copilot and more.

In the last decade there has been massive changes in media, technology and connectivity. Paul Spain and Matthew Jackson (Alimentary Systems) delve into disruptive technologies and how they challenge existing market norms and give rise to new consumer behaviours. They also discuss the barriers to innovation in New Zealand and being willing to take risks to stay ahead of the curve.

Paul Spain is joined by Brett Roberts (kiwiSaaS) to discuss Neuralink's approval for human trials, NBN loosing customers to Starlink, HP printer dramas, Fibre expands NZ seismic zone research, taxing tech companies and more.

Renee Mateparae (Spark NZ) and Michele Wong (Spark IoT) join host Paul Spain to discuss Spark IoT growth milestones and Spark’s new 3-year strategy, they also discuss NZ's 2023 budget investment in tech, Amazon Prime Air drone dramas, 365-day online Banking and more.

Paul Spain is joined by Stephen Phillips (Snyk) as they cover a wide range of topics including NZ governments allocation of 3.5GHz spectrum for faster 5G rollout. Space news from Zenno Astronautics and Dawn Aerospace partners with lynk and 2degrees for satellite-to-mobile trials. The latest from Google I/O including Pixel Fold and Bard, $148m giant data centre for Auckland CBD, and how Snyk is helping developers create more secure and safer software.

On this special episode we bring you some highlights from the Southern SaaS event held on March 30th 2023. Paul Spain sits down with Bruce Jarvis - Head of Kiwi SaaS, Bernard Hickey - Commentator and Podcaster, and Graham Grant - CEO of Seequent, as they share their insights on the great opportunities for New Zealand's SaaS sector.To find out more go to central.kiwisaas.com

On this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss a range of topics related to technology and cybersecurity including the impact of ransomware payments, Samsungs quarterly earnings report, Starlink installed at Scott Base, wireless charging for electric vehicles, Tesla's FSD safety stats, ICON's Lunar 3D printing, video calling parrots and more.

Paul Spain is joined by journalist Bill Bennett to discuss the latest technology news from around the world including:Satellite outage impacting farmersFibre install delays due to skills shortageAmnesty for ChatGPT cheatsSpaceX Starship rocket launch and explosionIndia illegal tech tariffsMusk plans on less bias AI"Plan Anzac" military intel and tech cooperationMerlin To Trial Autonomous Flights in Alaska

Paul Spain is joined by Vanessa Sorenson (Microsoft NZ) and Maruata Reweti (TupuToa) to discuss their collaboration on a new cybersecurity skills programme aimed at addressing the skills shortage in New Zealand, plus tech news from the week including:Government’s $1.3m digital literacy training programme for seniorsMicrosoft secures land to expand Datacenters in New ZealandMicrosoft and Amazon sign memorandums of understanding with government Drone Delivery SkyDrop Wins Approval in New Zealand Arkansas bans minors from social media without parental consent Montana politicians ban TikTok over security concerns with China

Paul Spain is joined by Ben Moore (BusinessDesk) to discuss AI disinformation and data leaks plus AI generated images, as well as tech news from the week including:Commerce Commission concern's over ConnexaSpark data centres expansion plansDigital identity regulationsOperation 'Cookie Monster'Russia's return to TwitterSatechi 165W PD GaN USB-C Charger reviewSamsung Galaxy A34 & A54 review

On this episode Zenno Astronautics' CEO Max Arshavsky and CRO Erica Lloyd join Paul Spain to discuss Zenno's advances in satellite propulsion systems, Mobile Phones 50th Anniversary, NZ telco satellite connectivity and more.

Paul Spain is joined by Warwick Grey as they discuss ChatGPT data leak, Gordon Moore's legacy, Latitude Financial hack results, TikTok bans, plus CompTIA and ProjectPartner

On this episode Paul Spain is joined by Laura Bell-Main, founder and CEO at SafeStack as they discuss the importance of Cybersecurity, as well as tech news from the week including:New Zealand to ban TikTok on devices linked to parliamentBlackbaud to pay $3m to settle SEC charge over ransomware misleading disclosuresGoogle/Samsung phones - modem bugs found in Android devices Microsoft's AI ethics and society teams laid off

Paul Spain is Joined by Josh Purcell, Founder at NZA Simulations to discuss how they are bringing New Zealand Airports to life in the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator updates, as well as tech news of the week including:Zero Latency VR game experience, launches in New ZealandBullitt's fob allows bluetooth satellite connectivitySilicon Valley Bank Collapse

Paul Spain is joined by Campbell Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of PredictHQ to discuss how PredictHQ utilises data to help businesses anticipate and prepare for the impact of events on their operations.

Martin Sharrock (CTO, 2degrees) joins Paul Spain to discuss cyclone recovery efforts in keeping New Zealanders connected, and the latest insights from 2degrees and the world of telecommunications.

Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence, Cyclone Gabrielle lessons on Telecommunications Robustness, Meta Verified and more with Tim Warren (Ambit) and host Paul Spain (Gorilla Technology).

Paul Spain joins Ian McCrae, founder and former CEO of Orion Health, as he shares his journey to creating one of the leading providers of health care software. Ian reflects on the challenges and success of Orion Health over the last 30 years.

Paul Spain is joined by Dave Rouse (CEO, CarbonClick) - discussing learnings in the tech and startup worlds + how CarbonClick is helping people and businesses to take action in reducing carbon emissions.

Paul Spain is joined by Bruce Jackson Founder of Kai's Education, as they discuss how the award winning KaiBot is helping Children to learn coding, as well as looking into self-driving and the 3d printing industry.

Paul Spain is joined by Bill Bennett as they discuss the darker side of ChatGPT, and new Prime minister Chris Hipkins' potential impact on New Zealand's tech sector and other tech news from the week, including:Spark's contract with parliamentary servicesVodafone rebrand tussle with TVNZMore job cuts from Microsoft, Amazon and GoogleRansomware attack affects 1000 ShipsApple's latest Mac modelsAmazon's Echo Show 15

Paul Spain is joined by Finn Hogan, Digital Editor/Reporter at Newshub, as they discuss the future of New Zealand's gaming industry, Microsofts AI voice generator VALL-E and other tech news including:Tesla's price dropDrone delivery in NZEconomic downturn of global tech companiesComputer outage grounds US flightsPower bank ignites on board passenger planeChina's SpaceX look alike rocket designs

Paul Spain is joined by Phil Howie, CEO and founder at Onwardly, to discuss how Onwardly is helping businesses build, manage and scale their security and privacy programs, Road trip around NZ reveals how good are our EV charging and mobile phone coverage, and tech news including:Tesla's new Kiwi leaderShould NZ ban TiktokReviewing DJI mini 3 proAfeela - Sony and Honda's new EVHighlights of CES 2023IoT pet feeders at risk of hackingCar cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Paul Spain is joined by Glenn Morgan former CTO of British Airways / International Airlines Group and Director of Hangar 51. Glenn is an authority in the aviation and aerospace industry.

Paul Spain is joined by Josh Robb - Co-Founder and CPTO of Tend, to discuss disruptive healthcare services - along with the highs and lows of startup life.

Tony Baird - CTO of Vodafone NZ, shares behind the scenes tech insights plus what's happening within New Zealand's mobile and broadband networks - especially what Vodafone NZ (soon to be One NZ) have planned.

JB Rousselot, CEO of Chorus NZ, joins Paul Spain to discuss New Zealand’s largest telecommunications infrastructure company. The successes, challenges - and more importantly - what comes next.

Paul Spain is joined by Ben Rose - Binance NZ, and Darcy Ungaro - Ungaro and Co. to discuss the current state of crypto and well as tech news of the week, including:Apple's plan to move production out of ChinaCompanies like Meta and Google, to pay for NZ newsBlackpearl Group on NZHands on review of OpenAI’s ChatGPT - chat.openai.comSan Francisco to vote on Lethal Police Robots

Paul Spain is joined by Nick Lissette - CEO of Blackpearl Group to discuss Blackpearl Group's launch on NZX and well as Tech news from the week including:US/UK China tech banHP staff cutsWhatsApp user details leakedBiometrics in NZ supermarketsMecedes-Benz speed subscriptionUS army uses Russian software disguised as American

Paul Spain is joined by Justin Soong, Founder of Authsignal, to discuss how NZ startup Authsignal are helping developers, plus:NZ rural broadbandVodafone TV switch-off pushed back, as Sky box delay drags onAir NZ plans to replace boarding passes with biometricsiPhone's satellite Emergency serviceU.S. Banks including New York Fed start 12-week digital dollar pilotGoogle $600m fineTwitter, is Musk playing us?Australia to ‘stand up’ against cyber criminals

Paul Spain is joined by Paul Woodfield (AUT) to discuss the latest tech news from the week, Including:NZ’s Public Safety NetworkTwitter Blue suspended due to impersonationsAmazon’s Sparrow robot In car Zoom callsDoorDash drone deliveryFTX bankruptcy

Paul Spain is joined by Dosh Co-Founders James McEniery and Shane Marsh, to discuss Dosh New Zealand's first digital wallet, as well as tech news of the week, including:Air New Zealand bans Air Tag baggage trackersCalifornia legalizes Digital License platesMondelez, Zurich settle $100m+ NotPetya insurance lawsuitColes partner with Wing to offer grocery drone deliveryWill the European Union ban 8K TVsTwitter, a big mess after half of the 7500 staff fired Head to https://dosh.nz/app and use my referral code 00024406 to sign up.

Paul Spain is joined by Vincent Heeringa, host of This Climate business, to discuss the latest in Tech news, including: Intel cutbacksSamsung’s ex-con leaderFord dumps driverless for driver-assistDoes NZ need a cyber ministerApple update tax on App StoreRova podcast app privacyElon and Twitter

Paul Spain is joined by motoring editor Damien O'Carroll to discuss technological advances in the Automotive sector, hands-on 2022 MG ZS EV and iPad price hikes, as well as:Government clean car rebateGeneral Motors techFord technology advancesCar Integration: Apple Car Play and Android Auto vs TeslaAutonomous Vehicles and Autopilot

Paul Spain is joined by Community Director of Kiwi Saas Brett Roberts to discuss how Kiwi SaaS is helping to accelerate the SaaS sector in New Zealand as well Tech news of the week including: US citizens at Chinese chip firms caught in the middle of US/China chip manufacturing clash Indian Village going offline daily to help stop screen addictionElon musk's tweets and turnaround on Starlink and UkraineTesla update for NZ now allows car cameras to be live streamed to AppMeta and Microsoft team up for Metaverse VR Product review of Amazon Fire TV Stick, 4K and HD for NZ market, and Huawei's FreeBuds

Jason Hosking joins Paul Spain in Queenstown to discuss cyber security and data privacy, along with the following:Cyber Smart Week 2022 for info on cyber securityPinnacle Midlands Health Network cyber attackHow NZ telco companies are guarding against cyber threatsSky TV to stream Rugby through to 2029Alternatives to streaming servicesYouTube test 4k restrictions to premium accounts

Paul Spain is joined by Tim Warren, CEO and Co-Founder of Ambit, to discuss Ambit’s virtual agents and AI, as well as tech news from the week, including:Deepfake in media   Vodafone NZ will change to One New Zealand       China tech firms desist inRussia and Ukraine     Tesla's humanoid robot     Google's Stadia to closethe Latest from AmazonApple iPhone14 production slowsSaaStra annual 2022

Paul Spain is joined by Bill Bennett as they look into the latest tech news from around the world, including:Goodbye Vodafone TV Box, hello Sky PodOptus data breachMeta and Google staff layoffsAI filling in for James Earl JonesThe future of Air TaxisAlcohol detection in new cars“Angry developer” leaks ransomware builder

Paul Spain  and Shannon Karaka (Deel) discuss how Deel is helping companies to hire globally and it's launch into New Zealand, plus tech news of the week including:Google to reduce R&D projects division by 50%Adobe acquires Figma for $20B USZoom calls may reveal screen information in lens reflectionsGoPro subscription and Hero 11Latest from DJIDeere software revenue

Paul Spain is joined by Samsung’s Todd Selwyn, to discuss the Samsung 5G network's Auckland suburban roll out for spark, and tech news of the week including,Technology through out the Queen's reignApple iPhone 14 releaseWifi 7Digital drivers licensesOutcry over Moko image filters

Paul Spain is joined by Parkable co-founders Toby Littin and Brody Nelson to hear about Parkable's startup journey and recent success with Meta, as well as tech news from the week, including:NZ Aerospace Summit 2022Teens dump Facebook for TikTokiPhone’s record market shareAmazon’s ‘Rings’ ratings Quantum computer qualms

Jo Hilson (thl) joins Paul Spain to discuss thl digital’s response to a changing tourism environment, review Amazon Echo Show 15 and Oppo Find X5 Pro and talk about this week’s tech news, including:·       Fresh strawberries in winter thanks to NZ vertical farming·       M2X's management system makes transport more efficient·       Meta’s customer service division to help those who have lost accounts·      SpaceX and T-Mobile plans to boost mobile coverage in the US·       NASA cancels Artemis 1 rocket launch

We continue the celebration of the 2022 Hi-Tech Awards. Paul Spain talks with David Downs (Chair of NZ Hi-Tech Trust), Brooke Roberts (Co-Founder and 3EO of Sharesies) and Greg O'Grady (Chief Executive of Alimetry), as they share their experiences and insights.

Paul Spain is joined by Savannah Peterson (Founder & Chief Unicorn at Savvy Millennial) to review what's happening in NZ's technology sector and its future, plus the top space and tech news from this week, including:Rocket Lab to self-funded mission to Venus to seek out lifeNASA’s Voyager mission 45 years onNew Zealand Aerospace SummitNew York’s speed limiter trialHow some features on our devices can give us real peace of mindUp and coming New Zealand Tech companiesNASA’s sonification of a blackhole

Paul Spain is joined by Mark Duncan (Cyclone Computers) and Andrew Fox (Aruba) to talk about the latest cyber security insights, as well as discussing some of this week's tech news, including:Invenco's $120m+ NZD sale to US firmGoogle Cloud to open NZ Cloud regionDisney's subscriptions overtake NetflixAmazon buys IRobot Vaccum companyMan sues Google after losing $800,000 in cryptocurrencyDriverless taxi's cause traffic jam in San Francisco

On this special episode we celebrate and learn from three winning companies in the 2022 Hi-Tech Awards. Paul Spain talks with Chief Executives Graham Grant (Seequent), Clare Bradley (Agrisea) and Milan Cooper (First AML) to gain insights and inspiration from these award winning companies and their leaders.