NZ Tech Podcast

Host Paul Spain is joined by Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss New Zealand’s expanding role in tech and aerospace. The conversation covers Rocket Lab’s latest developments, Tesla’s autonomous vehicle trials in Texas, the complexities of balancing online safety for children with privacy concerns and the latest on what’s happening within TUANZ, including efforts to improve digital connectivity and tackle issues of affordability and access across Aotearoa.

Plus hear Paul’s exclusive interview with Mark Rocket, NZ’s first astronaut and space tourist, as he shares what it’s like to launch into space, experience zero gravity, and look back on our planet from above.

A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain sits down with Angus Brown, co-founder of Ārepa, a New Zealand-based brain food technology company blending neuroscience, cutting-edge nutrition, and food tech innovation. Together, they discuss the journey of Ārepa, their mission to improve brain performance through scientifically backed products. Plus, a look at the latest tech news, including 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Award winners, Litmaps' funding success, One NZ's AI Trust report, West Auckland's Datacentre and OpenAI's strategic acquisition of Jony Ive's hardware startup. Discover highlights from Google I/O 2025 and Insights on Microsoft's AI plans and more.

Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain and Francesca Logan (Toku Eyes) and discover how Toku Eyes is using retinal photography and AI to detect and predict a range of health conditions. They also discuss tech news including a Wellington man's alleged $450 million crypto scam, Spark's partnership with Nokia for network efficiency, China's space-based supercomputer project, groundbreaking gene therapy success, Amazon's new warehouse robot, Elton John's criticism of AI copyright policy and more.

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

Host Paul Spain is joined by Zarina Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Neocrete, a pioneering deep tech startup based in New Zealand that's reshaping the global concrete industry. Zarina shares the story behind Neocrete's mission to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete—one of the world’s most widely used and environmentally impactful materials—by developing innovative, low-carbon cement alternatives. The conversation also explores the latest in tech news, from social media bans for under-16s, the ethics of AI-generated victim impact statements, Fake alert phishing and big tech company settlement to Auckland’s bid to become a tech innovation hub. They also discuss the highs and lows of startup life and raising investment as a deep tech company and more.

A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain and Jonathan Good (Scentian Bio) as they explore Scentian Bio's innovative technology, poised to transform real-time chemical sensing in food, health, and environmental monitoring. Jonathan explains its origins and potential uses, such as detecting food contamination and wearable health diagnostics. Plus, tech news from the week including, Governmental email protocol challenges, Health NZ's proposed workforce changes, Spotify's flexible payment options, AI’s energy demands, the Potential hazards of orbital overcrowding and more.

Thanks to our Partners One NZ, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Hear from host Paul Spain and Matt Archer, CTO of Quadrent, as they dive into the latest digital priorities for 2025, tackling cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the tech talent gap. They also explore satellite texting, EV charging infrastructure, the risks of Microsoft’s Windows Recall, battery recycling, and Quadrent’s sustainability initiatives supporting Kiwi students. Tune in for insights on innovation, government policy, and industry collaboration shaping NZ’s tech future!

TUANZ Digital Priorities 2025

A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain sits down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to explore the world of Kiwi tech startups and venture capital. Robbie shares insights on the evolution of New Zealand’s investment landscape, lessons from backing nearly 350 companies, and the traits behind successful founders. You'll hear engaging stories about standout companies like Halter, Dawn Aerospace and others included in their $500 million portfolio, and Kiwis' growing role in global tech innovation. This episode is essential for anyone passionate about NZ’s startup ecosystem!

Thanks to our Partners One NZ, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Join Paul Spain and Alastair Miller, Principal Advisory Consultant at Aura Information Security, as they discuss Kordia's latest cybersecurity report, exploring the current landscape of cybersecurity threats and defences in New Zealand. The discussion touches on the unique challenges faced by New Zealand businesses, the evolving threat of AI-driven cyberattacks, and the importance of rigorous incident response plans. They also highlight the persistent issues of phishing, cloud misconfigurations, and the human elements that often underpin cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with essential insights and recommendations to bolster your cybersecurity stance.

A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

In this special episode, host Paul Spain dives into the latest developments in the iPhone ecosystem, following the recent launch of the iPhone 16e. Paul provides insights into the pricing strategies and feature differences across the new iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Pro, and their larger variants. For those in the market for a new phone, Paul offers a detailed comparison of the various models and their unique features, helping listeners make informed decisions. Tune in to get a comprehensive overview of the iPhone 16 series.

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

Hear from host Paul Spain and Justin Soong founder and technical director at Authsignal, as Justin shares about fortifying online security through innovative authentication solutions. They discuss the challenges and triumphs surrounding identity protection and the latest cybersecurity breaches.

Plus, tech news from the week including:

• 2025 Hi-Tech Awards finalists revealed
• Canadian Tech company buys majority in Serato
• Quantifi Photonics acquired
• 2degrees fined $325k for misleading claims
• Microsoft turns 50
• Trump’s tariffs may mean paying more for gadgets in US
• Amazon can now buy from other websites for you
• Why military planning shouldn’t be on Signal

Thanks to our Partners One NZ, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology