Hear from host Paul Spain and Mike Jones , General Manager at Earthcare Environmental . Mike shares his first-hand experiences with Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised technology, diving into what sets FSD apart from other automation systems, how it’s performing on local streets, and what the future looks like for autonomous driving. Plus, tech news from the week including, Facial recognition in retail, Age restrictions on social media, young inventors LCD glasses for epilepsy and lig...
Sep 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 756
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 traditio...
Sep 23, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 755
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 Pen...
Sep 16, 2025•50 min•Ep. 754
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 wide...
Sep 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 753
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...
Sep 02, 2025•44 min•Ep. 752
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...
Aug 26, 2025•55 min•Ep. 751
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 th...
Aug 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 750
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 priv...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 749
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 ...
Aug 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 748
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 ...
Jul 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 747
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 surveillan...
Jul 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 746
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, 2de...
Jul 15, 2025•55 min•Ep. 745
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 th...
Jul 08, 2025•54 min•Ep. 744
Host Paul Spain is joined by Kieran 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. Kieran 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 ...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 743
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 consultin...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min•Ep. 742
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...
Jun 17, 2025•49 min•Ep. 741
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. W...
Jun 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 740
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 M...
Jun 03, 2025•52 min•Ep. 739
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 a...
May 27, 2025•45 min•Ep. 738
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 ...
May 20, 2025•44 min•Ep. 737
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,...
May 13, 2025•53 min•Ep. 736
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...
May 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 735
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 Digit...
Apr 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 734
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...
Apr 22, 2025•55 min•Ep. 733
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...
Apr 15, 2025•57 min•Ep. 732
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 ...
Apr 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 731
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 Micros...
Apr 08, 2025•57 min•Ep. 730
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...
Mar 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 729
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 techn...
Mar 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 728
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 Ambassado...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 727
