Nz Tech Podcast

In this special episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Steve Sasson, the American electrical engineer who quite literally changed how the world captures moments—he invented the first self-contained (portable) digital camera at Kodak back in the mid-1970s. Recorded at Steve’s home in Rochester, New York, Steve shares not only the technical hurdles and creative thinking that made digital imaging possible, but also gives us a look into Kodak’s company culture—how innovation collided with tradition, and why big organisations sometimes struggle to reinvent themselves in times of massive technological change. Sasson’s stories offer timeless insights for innovators navigating disruptive technology and shifting business models in today’s fast-paced world.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain is joined by Igor Portugal (Tech Entrepreneur), as they explore the latest tech news in New Zealand and beyond. They discuss the Electric Avenue ticketing debacle, Starboard Maritime's expansion plans, NZ’s Realtime phone outage service, China's surveillance network, the future of Starlink, and Apple's latest product revelations, including the progressive phasing out of SIM cards. Plus, get insights into BlackLock Security's innovative use of AI for threat detection and their Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS).A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Hear from host Paul Spain and Julian Wendt (nWebbed) as they unpack the latest NZ Tech report, revealing the impressive growth of the tech export sector, the launch of Pātea, a new app to address gambling harm, and skepticism over massive tech investment figures from global tech giants. Other news included Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite internet progress, Philips Hue expanding into motion detection and doorbells, Google’s softer-than-expected antitrust ruling, Turmp’s ‘Tech dinner” and a widespread breach impacting major SaaS tools like Salesloft and Drift. Julian delves into nWebbed’s darknet monitoring platform, discussing the challenges and ethics of gathering intelligence from the darkest corners of the internet. The episode wraps up with insights on best practices for digital security and a call for all New Zealanders to stay vigilant.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain and Joshua Alcock (Fortinet) as they explore the cybersecurity threats facing Operational Technology (OT) environments and the latest insights from Fortinet’s 2025 Industrial Cybersecurity Report. They also delve into some of the latest tech news, including the launch of AWS data centers in New Zealand, Fieldays’ NZ-Brazil AgriTech opportunities, Microsoft's Internal AI developments, Masterdon's Age verification challenges. Plus, Workdays research into AI Agent adoption in the workplace.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain chats with Saveun Man, founder of Carpoolin, as they discuss the latest tech news, from emergency service capabilities that allow authorities to pinpoint your location, to the growing debate over privacy, data security, and the use of AI in public policy and elections. Paul and Saveun explore device tracking for road user charges, AI in local elections, the government’s fresh warnings about cybersecurity risks, anti-drone tech, and the ethical dilemmas of facial recognition and digital identity. Plus, Saveun shares about gaming and design at Grinding Gear Games and launching Carpoolin—an app aiming to reduce NZ’s traffic and build stronger communities through shared rides. Join us for another thought-provoking ride on the NZ Tech Podcast!A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

In this landmark 750th episode of the NZ Tech Podcast, Paul Spain sits down with Xero founder Rod Drury for an inspiring conversation on New Zealand’s tech landscape. Rod dives into his post-Xero projects, the future of digital identity, challenges of globalisation, the nation’s payment infrastructure, and Queenstown’s innovation as a live lab. Expect fresh insights on AI strategies, public-private collaborations, fintech disruption, and how Kiwi ingenuity can shape the world. Don’t miss this thought-provoking, future-focused episode!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in with host Paul Spain and tech journalist Bill Bennett for a thought-provoking discussion on the government’s proposed road user charges and what data tracking in vehicles really means for privacy and everyday Kiwis. Motorola’s One NZ partnership and new Phone lineup, Privacy Commissioner’s new rules on biometric data, the challenges of cloud and data centre infrastructure, Spark’s recent business shifts, and why satellite broadband is shaking up the telco market. If you care about privacy, tech innovation, or how global giants and local players are shaping the future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain as he chats with Luke Campbell, co-founder and CEO of VXT. Luke shares his journey of founding VXT while still a student at the University of Canterbury. Recently named Young Achiever of the Year at the 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Awards, Luke opens up about the challenges of launching and pivoting a startup, finding the right co-founder, and how VXT found its niche helping lawyers reclaim valuable time with AI-powered call management. Luke offers honest insights on finding the right problem, fundraising, building company culture, and recruitment tips for aspiring founders.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain and tech veteran Brett Roberts for a wide-ranging conversation on technology in New Zealand and beyond. From So Sweet using lasers to zap weeds on South Island farms to AI-powered safety systems in manufacturing, Paul and Brett discuss some of the latest innovations improving lives and industries. They also dive into updates around New Zealand’s upcoming government digital identity app, privacy and data aggregation concerns, and the balance needed between new technology and personal freedoms. They explore the pros and cons of Starlink’s dominance in satellite connectivity, the ongoing global AI arms race, and how algorithmic decision-making is shaping everything from Uber pricing to insurance. Plus, a look at the upcoming Revved 2025 event with insights from leaders in business and tech including Google NZ, Microsoft, Digital Identity NZ, and more.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Join host Paul Spain and Eoghan Neligan, co-founder of Gravity. Eoghan discusses Gravity’s role as an applied innovation company, working with big business, impact ventures, and startups. Paul and Eoghan go on to explore the latest tech news including the arrival of Tesla’s Full Self Driving technology in New Zealand, Government invests in new Institute for Advanced Technology, Hawke’s Bay plans for new solar farm, WindSurf’s acquisition dramas, Mexico’s biometric ID mandate, global surveillance trends, and digital privacy concerns. On the cybersecurity front, Microsoft’s defense work and a SharePoint vulnerability are discussed, along with the importance of cyber insurance and audits. They also review Motorola’s moto Razr 50 Ultra, moto g05 and moto g15 phones now available in NZ and Paul gives his honest take on the new HP Elitebook Ultra G1 laptop. Tune in for thoughtful insights on the latest tech developments, and helpful hands-on product reviews.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spar

Hear from host Paul Spain and tech journalist Ben Moore as they delve into New Zealand's evolving tech landscape, including the government's ban on crypto ATMs to fight money laundering, the national strategy for AI adoption, and NZ police internet governance. On the global front they explore the latest Robotic surgery success, EU's AI transparency regulations, Nvidia's market USD $4 trillion milestone, Cloudflare’s AI blocker and more.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Dr. Ian Hunter, founder of Writer’s Toolbox, to explore the challenges and solutions behind the global writing gap in education. Discover how Dr. Hunter’s innovative AI-powered platform is transforming the way writing is taught, why writing skills are more crucial than ever, and how technology can empower both students and teachers. If you’re passionate about edtech, literacy, or future-proofing the next generation, this conversation is a great listen!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Keiran Byrne, the Chief Technology Officer at One NZ. Listen in as they explore the rise of autonomous vehicles, AI-powered telco networks, and the game-changing impact of Starlink’s satellite connectivity for Kiwis. Keiran reveals how AI is transforming One NZ’s customer service, infrastructure, and the exciting rollout of Starlink’s direct-to-satellite mobile services – a game-changer for rural and remote connectivity – and what to expect as 3G is phased out and 5G coverage continues to grow. Keiran offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in modernising legacy infrastructure, plus thoughts on how AI could transform government and the wider tech ecosystem in New Zealand.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as host Paul Spain is joined by Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks.Projectworks was Emerging Hi-Tech Company of the Year at this year's NZ Hi-Tech Awards and recently closed a significant Series A funding round bringing the company valuation in the range of $100m NZ dollars. With extensive experience in tech and consulting, Mark shares insights on the journey of building Project Works, scaling SaaS businesses, global expansion from Wellington, and leveraging AI to transform consulting. Discover lessons on team building, culture, and how Kiwi pragmatism competes globally.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain as he welcomes Shan Moorthy, CTO for APAC at Workday, for a deep dive into the evolving role of AI and automation in enterprise software. Discover how Workday’s global engineering teams— including those based in Auckland—are shaping the future of digital employees, agentic AI, and dynamic SaaS innovation. Plus, Shan reveals tech insights for organisations embracing digital transformation in New Zealand and beyond.Whether you are a tech leader, business strategist, or just fascinated by where work is heading, this episode is packed with fresh perspectives, practical advice, and a forward-looking view of what it means to innovate in today’s digital workplace.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Hear from host Paul Spain and Brett Blackman, (HP NZ) as they explore HP’s latest innovations—ranging from AI-powered features like the HP AI Companion, which promises to boost productivity and offer new levels of privacy and control, to the ongoing evolution in printing and sustainability. Brett shared insights into HP’s work with major hardware partners, the importance of built-in security with tools like HP Wolf Security, and HP’s product rebranding from Spectre and Pavilion to OmniBook.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business owner, or simply curious about how technology shapes our daily lives, you’ll find plenty of practical takeaways and fascinating stories as Paul and Brett discuss everything from gaming laptops and retail experiences to the future of AI at HP.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

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