NZ Tech Podcast

Host Paul Spain is joined by Jens Anders (Samsung NZ) as they delve into the exciting and ever-evolving world of technology. They discuss the expansive product portfolio Jens oversees at Samsung New Zealand, including everything from mobile phones to home appliances and more. They also dive into tech news, exploring topics like AI regulation, online safety, Military AI and the impact of technology in healthcare. Plus, privacy issues for travellers to the US, and Meta's legal dramas. Join us as we navigate these subjects and discover how technology is shaping our lives today.

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

Join host Paul Spain and Grant Straker, CEO of Straker.AI, as Grant shares insights into Straker's journey from building early websites to a leading provider of AI-driven content automation, verification, and translation services. With operations spanning ten countries and more than 150 staff, Straker's innovative approach leverages both human and machine collaboration to navigate the complexities of AI.

Join us as we discuss Straker's commitment to innovation and how they are pioneering technologies that are shaping the future of translation and AI verification.

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

Hear from host Paul Spain and business advisor Jason Langley, as Jason shares insights into business leadership, reflecting on his experiences and evolving role as an independent business advisor. They also delve into various topics and tech news including:

• 2degrees and Spark satellite-to-mobile news
• Ambitious plans for a power cable linking New Zealand and Australia
• Allstate car insurer sued for tracking drivers
• Webcam and IOT vulnerabilities
• Auckland's EV Vandalism
• Skinny's AI brand Ambassador

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

Join Paul Spain and Ryan Ashton (A Few Quiet Yarns - AFQY) as they delve into the dynamic landscape of AI, autonomous driving technology, and the MWC 2025. They look autonomous vehicles and Kiwi-founded Wayve's expansion in Europe, Meta’s apology for Instagram feeds displaying graphic content, the Mobile World Congress 2025 and the evolving role of AI in areas like browsing, mobile networks and the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 / S25 Ultra. They also shine the spotlight on the importance of showcasing innovation through events like the NZ High Tech Awards, Te Hapori Matihiko, the Māori Tech Awards, and AFQY gatherings. Tune in to hear insights on the New Zealand's tech ecosystem and beyond.

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

Host Paul Spain is joined by seasoned tech and telecommunications journalist Bill Bennett. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of tech, telecommunications and media, including:

• Sky TV's potential loss of All Blacks rights to DZAN
• Robotics Plus acquired by Yamaha Motors
• Some Chinese apps blocked on MP devices
• Financial health of Spark and Chorus
• future of satellite and mobile networks.
• AI breach in NZ court name suppression law
• Microsoft AI partnership with Spark
• Kidnapping over cryptocurrency password
• UK’s order to access Apple’s encrypted user data

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

Host Paul Spain sits down with Rowan Simpson, Chairman of the Hoku Group and author of "How to Be Wrong." Discover the intriguing journey of Trade Me, Xero, Vend, and Timely as Rowan shares insights from his new book, on building successful companies and the importance of asking the right questions. With candid discussions on New Zealand’s startup ecosystem and investment strategies, this episode offers valuable lessons on understanding the intricacies of the tech ecosystem.

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

Join host Paul Spain and Finn Hogan (Caffeine Daily) as they explore tech news and insights including:

• Tū Ātea's plan to launch NZ's first commercial Private 5G network at Wellington port
• Ivo’s Legal tech startup US success
• Wakapuāwai fund boost to digitise mental health resources
• New Zealand's Emission targets
• Musk's bid for OpenAI
• Google's ambitious quantum computing timeline

Plus, a look at HP Omnibook Ultra Flip laptop and more!

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

Listen in as Paul Spain and Brett Roberts (Creative CAM), dive into the world of tech developments and governmental innovations. This episode covers pivotal topics such as AI safety guidelines for NZ government agencies, the implications of quantum computing in New Zealand, and the fascinating use of AI in pest control. Brett also shares insights on the long reaching impact of Callaghan Innovation and the government's decision to disestablish it. Tune in for an engaging discussion packed with the latest tech news, insights.

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

Host Paul Spain is joined by financial advisor Darcy Ungaro (Ungaro & Co.), as they explore the latest tech news, and take a closer look at the cryptocurrency landscape. Darcy shares insights from his experience as a financial advisor and discusses the balance between being your own bank and the risks involved with cryptocurrency. The conversation also covers crypto firm Ledger co-founder survives kidnapping, the emergence of open-source AI platform DeepSeek, making waves as a potential game-changer in the AI landscape but are there hidden dangers? Plus, we also delve into future of TikTok, Open AI’s Stargate Project and Trump’s pardoning of Silk Road's creator Ross Ulbrich.

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

Marian Johnson joins Host Paul Spain, and shares her journey within New Zealand’s Tech sector, including her role as the former chief executive of Ministry of Awesome, and her current roles as Founder and CEO of CareerWise and chair for Electrify Aotearoa Women Founder Programmes and the NZ Hi-Tech Trust. Together they discuss the significance of the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and its role in highlighting and celebrating the country's innovative tech achievements. They explore the importance of fostering diversity, attracting global talent, and the necessity of governmental, immigration and educational policies to further enhance the NZ Tech ecosystem. Tune in to discover the inspiring stories and exciting developments shaping the future of technology in New Zealand.

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