NZ Tech Podcast

On this episode, Paul Spain talks with Sacha Judd, co-founder and COO of Lume Music, to explore her journey from corporate lawyer and startup investor to launching a new digital music platform designed to help artists connect more deeply with fans. They discuss New Zealand's startup ecosystem, lessons from working with more than 100 startups, the challenges of building a tech company, internet culture and fandom, and why Sacha believes human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, a look at how Lume Music aims to reshape the relationship between artists, albums and listeners.

Lume — Own the Albums You Love, Beyond Streaming

Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.

Drummond Reed, a global leader in digital identity, privacy, and online trust joins host Paul Spain, as they unpack how self-sovereign identity gives individuals control over digital credentials, why privacy concerns remain central to government-led identity systems, and what approaches in Bhutan, India, Utah, and the European Union reveal about the future of digital identity.

Drummond Reed also explores decentralised trust graphs, verifiable credentials, AI agents and the risks of increasingly sophisticated scams and surveillance. The conversation looks ahead to a world where individuals control more of their data, digital agents act on their behalf, and trusted relationships can be verified without relying on a single identifier everywhere online.

A big thank you to our show partners: One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Peter Boyle (Exaba) as they discuss how Exaba is helping managed service providers build their own local clouds using commodity hardware, keeping data under local control while turning infrastructure costs into new revenue opportunities and building a successful deep-tech company from Hamilton.

They also discuss the latest tech news including:

• Labour’s AI Regulation Plan
• AI leaders call for slowing the AI race
• Cybersecurity Alarm After Major NZ Breaches
• Kiwi start-up to create gravity-free drugs in space
• Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo

Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain as he speaks with Dr Autumn Krauss, Chief Scientist at SAP’s Future of Work Research Lab, about how AI is transforming jobs, management, career development, and workforce planning. Discover why 57% of employees would consider an AI manager, what skills will matter most in the future, and how organisations can redesign work for greater impact, innovation, and human potential.

Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

How prepared is New Zealand for the next wave of artificial intelligence?

Paul Spain speaks with OpenAI's Gawesha Weeratunga about the rapid shift from chatbots to AI agents, why New Zealand is emerging as a global leader in AI adoption, and what organisations must do to stay competitive. They explore productivity gains, cybersecurity, governance, workforce impacts, and the growing divide between businesses embracing advanced AI and those falling behind. The discussion also examines regulation, real-world New Zealand success stories, and OpenAI's vision for a future where powerful AI capabilities are accessible to everyone.

Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.

Professor Alexandra Andhov joins Paul Spain to explore the biggest questions facing AI today. From copyright lawsuits and social media harms to privacy, digital sovereignty and New Zealand's AI future, Alexandra explains why smarter regulation could fuel innovation while protecting people, businesses and society.

Plus the latest tech news including:

• 2degrees Completes AST SpaceMobile Satellite Connectivity Trial

• One NZ and 2degrees Seek Infrastructure Sharing Deal

• New Zealand Speeds Up Rocket Launch Approvals

• Meta Settlement Highlights Global Child Safety Shift Online

A big thank you to our show partners: One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as Paul sits down with Kevin Park, co-founder and CEO of Concord Visa, to explore how the Kiwi startup is helping fast-growing companies access global talent, expand into new markets, and scale internationally with fewer barriers. Kevin shares lessons from building a truly global business from New Zealand, the importance of hiring the right people, and what it takes to grow at startup speed.

Plus, Paul delivers his hands-on verdict on some of the latest technology to hit the market, including:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
• Motorola Signature
• Kindle Scribe Colorsoft
• Vestaboard Note
• GoPro Mission One Pro

Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain as he chats with Matt Taylor, Kiwi founder of Trepo, an AI-powered startup revolutionising the kitchen. Discover Matt’s journey from tinkering in New Zealand to working at Nuro and Tesla in Silicon Valley, and hear how he’s tackling food waste and kitchen chaos with smart hardware and software. Gain insights on true Silicon Valley grit, building hardware, rapid startup growth, and how AI is transforming everyday household life.

Thanks to our partners: Fortinet, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, and Gorilla Technology.

Paul Spain sits down with Rory Birkbeck, co-founder of Safe Surfer, to explore the urgent challenges of keeping young people safe online. Hear about Safe Surfer’s journey from startup to scale-up, their pioneering tech for families, and a partnership with Samsung for kid-safe devices. Discover eye-opening statistics on online harm, the complexities of digital safety, and why transparency and innovation are crucial for the next generation’s digital wellbeing. This conversation is packed with valuable perspectives on navigating the digital world safely and responsibly.

Keeping Safe on the Web with Kyle the Kingfish – Safe Surfer

Parent Resources-thelightproject

A big thank you to our show partners: One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet, and Gorilla Technology.

Hear from Paul Spain and Nyssa Waters, founder and CEO of Possibl.ai and RCRT, as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, touching on privacy, ethics, and data sovereignty. Nyssa Waters shares her own journey of launching Possibl.ai and RCRT, offering insider perspectives on how businesses can harness AI for innovation and growth.

Plus, the latest in tech news including:

• Rocket Lab's major US Space Force contract and expansion in Alaska
• EFTPOS NZ's biometric payment terminals
• Robotaxis operating without steering wheels
• US bans on foreign-manufactured robots
• EU debate over the cost and risks of replacing Huawei equipment
• AI-model cybersecurity breaches continue
• Coldcard Bitcoin wallet software vulnerability and resulting theft
• Revved: New Zealand Business & Leadership Summit and more

Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.