NZ Tech Podcast

Join Paul Spain and tech journalist Bill Bennett as they delve into tech news from around the world including the Christchurch Call Summit, Aussie Ports vs Cybercriminals, Opus outage, Fortnight release hits highest internet peak in NZ, Actors to receive protection from AI, Epic vs Google, EU's call for Meta child protection measures, Apple's iPhone Pro max, Tesla Model Y + moreClick the link to buy a Tesla and get up to $400 off and 90 days of Enhanced Autopilot https://ts.la/paul20354

Join Paul Spain and Stephen Phillips (Snyk) as they discuss the latest from OpenAI and it's potential impact, One NZ to boost 5G network, Facial recognition AI effectiveness, Microsoft Copilot launches, Air BnB use AI to block potential party bookings, Amazon's new drones, California DMV suspend Cruise’s robotaxi permit, and more.

On this special episode Paul Spain chats with the brilliant minds behind some exciting startups that featured at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit and the Christchurch Innovation Expo. Get insights from Michael Pervan of Aerosearch Ltd, Vanessa O'Brien and Karim Sabet of OrbViz, and Taylor Mauriohooho and Isaac Henderson of Droneshows as they share their innovative journey and vision for the future.

Join host Paul Spain and Sam Daish (Blackpearl Group) as they dive into the latest tech news and developments including, Spark acquisition of Adroit, Amazon's $1B Microsoft 365 deal, Internet services from space, Intel's 14th generation processors, Amazon and Microsoft team up with Indian authorities to crackdown on fake tech support operators, Starlink's battle with competitors, the disruption of the Ragnar Locker ransomware operation, plus a look into the Blackpearl Group and the success of Pearl Diver.

Join Paul Spain and Brett Roberts as they discuss the New Zealand Election 2023, concerns about AI in policing, Hamas-Israel conflict impact on cyberattacks and social media's role in countering misinformation, Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard, Google's safeguards for AI customers, and Singapore's passport-free initiative. plus a look at SaaStr Annual 2023 and more.

Join host Paul Spain and guest Ben Guerin, Co-founder at Topham Guerin, as they discuss the power of media in political campaigns, technology's impact on politics, online communication, the future of social media and the evolving landscape of advertising in the digital age. Plus NZ’s Letterboxd sells majority stake and a look at Auckland Transport Cyber-attacks.

Paul Spain recently sat down with Eric Dahlstrom and Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, Co-founders of SpaceBase and this year’s Kea Friend of New Zealand Award winners. Eric and Emeline shared how technological breakthroughs are intricately tied to the space industry, and how SpaceBase, an initiative focused on catalyzing ecosystems in developing and emerging countries is helping to ensure no one gets left behind. Listen in and find out how you could be part of New Zealand's space industry.SpaceBase Podcast

Jonathan Reichental, renowned professor and expert in the field of innovation and technology, joins host Paul Spain as they discuss designing city spaces, the future of transportation, and new challenges to overcome. Jonathan shares his expertise and vision for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. Visit reichental.com to learn more about Jonathan.

Host Paul Spain is joined by JD Trask Co-Founder and CEO of Raygun, as they discuss the journey of Raygun from humble beginnings to becoming a major player in the tech industry supporting thousands of organisations globally. JD shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by tech companies and the importance of resilience and innovation in overcoming them.

In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Catherine MacGowan, Wisk Aero Asia Pacific Regional Director to discuss the exciting advancements into autonomous aircraft. Catherine shares insights into Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft, and working alongside regulatory authorities, to ensure stringent safety standards. They also discuss the potential for New Zealand as a testing ground and investment hub for these technologies. Join us as we explore the future of advanced mobility in urban spaces, and the role New Zealand can play in shaping it.This episode was produced as part of Paul's attendance of the NZ Aerospace Summit - and with the support of ChristchurchNZ.

Paul Spain is joined by Louisa Taylor, General Manager of Canterbury Tech, as they discuss the Canterbury Tech Summit, which marked the start of Innovate Ōtautahi Week, along with the upcoming Innovation Expo and Aerospace Summit. Louisa shares about some of the great Tech companies in Canterbury including Lumin, Matomo, Ministry of Awesome, oVRcome, Grid Share NZ and many more, as well as what goes into making a successful Tech event. Tune in to discover the factors that have contributed to the remarkable culture of innovation and vision in Christchurch's Tech community.

In this episode, host Paul Spain is joined by Greg Cross, CEO of Soul Machines, as they explore the world of AI and its impact on industries like healthcare and entertainment and the creation of immersive fan experiences. Greg shares insights on Soul Machines research in creating digital twins of celebrities and personalized fan engagement. Plus tech news from the week including: Musk’s demo drive of Tesla's latest full self-drive (FSD) India’s successful moon landingCloudNordic's Ransomware attackMighty Ape's Mighty Mobile launch

Paul Spain is joined by Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter, as they delve into Halters journey as a start-up, and the secrets to building a high-performance team in the Kiwi tech industry. They also discuss how Halter's innovative technology is helping solve some of the challenges that the NZ agricultural sector are facing.

In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Harry Flett (Tracksuit) to discuss Microsoft's recent clearance to acquire Activision, One NZ’s violation of the Fair Trading Act resulting in a $3.675 million fine, Supermarket chatbot’s deadly recipes. They also discuss 2degrees satellite trials and Virgin Galactic’s first space tourists. Plus insights into the fast growing SaaS startup Tracksuit, and the importance of investing in brand to create future demand.

Join tech journalist Bill Bennett and host Paul Spain as they discuss the latest tech news, including NZ's Airspace Integration Trials with Wisk, Concern for using AI to combat text scams, One NZ's eSIMs for wearables, China's move to limit minors' phone usage and UNESCO's advice to ban smartphones in school, Zoom asks staff to return to the office, plus the much-anticipated showdown between tech titans Musk and Zuckerberg.

Join Paul Spain and Daniel Xu, CEO and Co-founder of ElementX, as they discuss how innovations in AI are helping developers stay productive, and enhance the customer service experience. They also delve into tech news from the week, including:Meta Threads sees drop in users Waymo's self-driving trucks comes to a haltTech firms partner to release open map datasetMeta subsidiaries to pay $14 million in Australian court orderMondee travel booking now with AI chatbot and mobile AppRobot Guacamole

Join Paul Spain and guest Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz as they discuss realestate.co.nz innovative steps to improve customer experience through a mobile app launch, AI tools and improved data analytics. They also look into Tech news from the week including:Aotearoa Aerospace AcademySurveillance tracking system concernsChatbot launched helps tenants and landlordsTwitter's rebrand to XData Regulation ChallengesAirline phone scams through Google listed numbersIs Microsoft 365 Copilot worth the cost?

Join Paul Spain and James Sampson CEO of FileInvite, as they discuss data privacy practices and protecting against cybersecurity breaches with FileInvite. Plus the latest tech news, including:Acquisition of SeratoSparks 5G standalone updateIndia's moon missionThe rise and drop-off of ThreadsTesla, Twitter collaborations with xAI Russian state TV gets hackedDukaan CEO replaces 90% of staff with AI chatbot

Paul Spain and Justin Soong Founder of Authsignal, discuss pressing issues of banking scams and the evolving landscape of social media, plus the latest in tech news, including:Meta Threads vs TwitterHope for diabetic 'life-changing' tech funding in NZCanada's Online News Act Bill repercussionsYearly public cloud revenue reaches half a trillion dollarsHow Authsignal are helping businesses stay secure

Join Paul Spain and Ulrich Frerk, the founder of Adroit, as they delve into the incredible potential of sensor networks, real-time data collection, and AI tools in improving data analysis and implementation here in New Zealand. Plus tech news from around the world including:NZ Ministry of Education on generative AI for educatorsQuantum Computing breakthrough for Google?Recent MOVEit cyber-attacks on PWC and EYTwitter limits amount of tweets users can readTech firms criticise EU’s AI Act proposalGoogle Domain to shut down

On this special NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners episode, host Paul Spain is joined by Janine Grainger Co-Founder and CEO of Easy Crypto and this year’s Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual of the year. Janine shares about the challenges faced by the crypto industry, her pride in the team and culture at Easy Crypto and what motivates and inspires her to continue to be a great leader and champion for the blockchain industry.

On this special Hi-Tech Award Winners episode, we listen to Guy Haddleton’s acceptance speech for the Tait Communications Flying Kiwi Award on behalf of himself and his late wife Sue. Guy shares valuable insights and experiences from their extraordinary journey over the last 30 years through the landscape of Technology - from small beginnings to global tech companies, making the most of opportunities, and the importance of people and building winning teams.

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.