NZ Tech Podcast

Join Josh Webb (Hypr NZ) and host Paul Spain as they delve into cybersecurity concerns following the alleged hacking incident on the U.S. Treasury. They explore key trends from CES 2025 including autonomous systems, innovative robotics and AI virtual training, and discuss New Zealand's pioneering geothermal projects. The episode also covers Northland internet outage and the impact of emerging satellite technology on rural connectivity, the impending U.S. TikTok ban, and Meta’s controversial AI-generated personas and shift to a community-based moderation model and more.

Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, HP and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as host Paul Spain and guest Adrian Smith, CEO of BlinkPay, dive into the dynamic world of digital banking and fintech. Adrian sheds light on BlinkPay's innovative journey, highlighting their partnership with the Bank of New Zealand and the development of modern financial solutions. The conversation also touches on challenges related to fraud and the importance of customer data control. Together, Paul and Adrian unravel the complex landscape of fintech, emphasising the role of APIs and the future of digital marketplaces in making financial services more accessible and efficient. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving world of technology in the finance sector.

Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, HP and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain and Levi Fawcett, founder of Partly as Levi shares insights from All Goods, delves into the complexities of the automotive industry, and discusses Partly's mission to revolutionise car parts procurement. Discover his journey from Rocket Lab's innovative culture to addressing a $1.9 trillion market with groundbreaking solutions. Fawcett emphasizes ambition, transparency, and passion in tackling global challenges, offering valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and determination.

Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, HP and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain and Andy Patrick (Argus Tracking) as Andy shares insights into Argus Tracking and their fleet management solutions.

Plus tech news from the week including:

• Microsoft’s new NZ based data centre
• Fullers hydrofoil electric ferry
• Pause on Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill
• Township pitches in for CCTV surveillance
• ZURU Tech's Innovations in housing construction
• New York mystery drones
• GM U-turns on Cruise robotaxi

Thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Hear former Prime Minister Sir John Key (Director - Palo Alto Networks) and Misti Landtroop (Managing Director NZ- Palo Alto Networks), as they join Paul Spain to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Sir John Key shares unique perspective drawn from his current and past experiences, including:

- Prime Minister of New Zealand

- Minister responsible of Special Intelligence Service (SIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB)

- Director at Palo Alto Networks

- Director at ANZ Bank

- Director at Air New Zealand

The episode is focussed on cybersecurity viewpoints - including predictions for 2025 from Unit 42, and reflects on the importance of continuous adaptation, education, and integration in the fight against cyber threats from various sources including powerful nation state actors. A range of other topics were discussed including weighing up the importance of privacy vs security.

Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, HP and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as host Paul Spain and Renee Mateparae (Spark NZ) delve into Spark's plans for data centres, the benefits of 5G Standalone, transition from 3G and the role of AI in service enhancement and Spark's strategic vision for the future of telecommunications. Plus tech news from the week including:

• NZ banks' new scam protection tools
• Cheap phone charger sparks house fire
• Parking fines highlights cities limited parking options for Tradespeople
• Meta's $10B subsea cable project
• Australia's social media ban for under 16's

Thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with 2degrees' CEO Mark Callander, as They delve into New Zealand's connectivity landscape, exploring rural broadband advancements, the future of 5G, and strategic mergers shaping the industry. Mark shares insights on satellite technologies, Network for Learning partnership, customer-centric innovations and how 2degrees is positioning itself as a value player amidst economic challenges.

Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, HP and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with venture capitalist Lance Wiggs (Punakaiki Fund, Climate VC Fund), as they delve into the evolving landscape of venture capital in New Zealand and its critical role in nurturing Kiwi tech startups. Together they explore the history, challenges, and successes of venture capital, innovative climate investments and current NZ tech startups. Listen in and gain insights into the impact of economic challenges and successes within the New Zealand tech investment arena.

Thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain and Danu Abeysuriya (Rush Digital), as they look into Kiwi AI innovation in Brazil, security guidelines for start-ups, social media accountability steps in Australia and Malaysia, and TikTok controversies in Canada and France. Learn about the implications of Trump's re-election on tech policy and bitcoin. Plus hear about Rush Digital's journey in tackling global AI challenges.

Special thanks to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Hear from Paul Spain and Logan Ransley (Landlord Studio), as they delve into some of this week's tech news and innovation including ListAssist's breakthrough in the US real estate market, precautionary advice on NZ Post scams and Apple's satellite service expansion. We also explore the significance of the Internet Archive and how hydropanel's are helping hydrate remote communities.

Plus, a look at the innovation behind Landlord Studio's all-in-one property management app.

Thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.