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NZ Tech Podcast

Paul Spain

Each episode, Paul Spain and guests discuss what's happening in the world of technology, gadgets and telecommunications around the world and in New Zealand.

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27 episodes
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Avg 54 min
English

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#809
Today · 51 min
Lume Music – the startup backed by Lorde
On this episode, Paul Spain talks with Sacha Judd, co-founder and COO of Lume Music, to explore her journey from corporate lawyer and startup investor to launching a new digital music platform designed to help artists connect more deeply with fans. They discuss New Zealand's startup ecosystem, lessons from working with more than 100 startups, the challenges of building a tech company, internet culture and fandom, and why Sacha believes human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, a look at how Lume Music aims to reshape the relationship between artists, albums and listeners. Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.
#808
September 22 · 1 hr 7 min
Is Self-Sovereign Digital ID our Future?
Drummond Reed, a global leader in digital identity, privacy, and online trust joins host Paul Spain, as they unpack how self-sovereign identity gives individuals control over digital credentials, why privacy concerns remain central to government-led identity systems, and what approaches in Bhutan, India, Utah, and the European Union reveal about the future of digital identity. Drummond Reed also explores decentralised trust graphs, verifiable credentials, AI agents and the risks of increasingly sophisticated scams and surveillance. The conversation looks ahead to a world where individuals control more of their data, digital agents act on their behalf, and trusted relationships can be verified without relying on a single identifier everywhere online. A big thank you to our show partners: One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.
#807
September 15 · 59 min
Cybersecurity, AI, and the Future of Data Sovereignty
Host Paul Spain sits down with Peter Boyle (Exaba) as they discuss how Exaba is helping managed service providers build their own local clouds using commodity hardware, keeping data under local control while turning infrastructure costs into new revenue opportunities and building a successful deep-tech company from Hamilton. They also discuss the latest tech news including: Labour’s AI Regulation Plan AI leaders call for slowing the AI race Cybersecurity Alarm After Major NZ Breaches Kiwi start-up to create gravity-free drugs in space Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#806
September 8 · 59 min
Rethinking the Future of Work in the AI Era – Dr Autumn Krauss, SAP
Join Paul Spain as he speaks with Dr Autumn Krauss, Chief Scientist at SAP’s Future of Work Research Lab, about how AI is transforming jobs, management, career development, and workforce planning. Discover why 57% of employees would consider an AI manager, what skills will matter most in the future, and how organisations can redesign work for greater impact, innovation, and human potential. Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#805
September 6 · 18 min
OpenAI's Vision for Smarter Businesses and Better Productivity
How prepared is New Zealand for the next wave of artificial intelligence? Paul Spain speaks with OpenAI's Gawesha Weeratunga about the rapid shift from chatbots to AI agents, why New Zealand is emerging as a global leader in AI adoption, and what organisations must do to stay competitive. They explore productivity gains, cybersecurity, governance, workforce impacts, and the growing divide between businesses embracing advanced AI and those falling behind. The discussion also examines regulation, real-world New Zealand success stories, and OpenAI's vision for a future where powerful AI capabilities are accessible to everyone. Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.
#804
September 1 · 1 hr 1 min
NZ’s Telco Shakeup + AI Ethics, Law and Power
Professor Alexandra Andhov joins Paul Spain to explore the biggest questions facing AI today. From copyright lawsuits and social media harms to privacy, digital sovereignty and New Zealand's AI future, Alexandra explains why smarter regulation could fuel innovation while protecting people, businesses and society. Plus the latest tech news including: • 2degrees Completes AST SpaceMobile Satellite Connectivity Trial • One NZ and 2degrees Seek Infrastructure Sharing Deal • New Zealand Speeds Up Rocket Launch Approvals • Meta Settlement Highlights Global Child Safety Shift Online A big thank you to our show partners: One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.
#803
August 25 · 29 min
Concord Visa’s Global Mobility + New Tech from GoPro, Samsung, Motorola and more
Listen in as Paul sits down with Kevin Park, co-founder and CEO of Concord Visa, to explore how the Kiwi startup is helping fast-growing companies access global talent, expand into new markets, and scale internationally with fewer barriers. Kevin shares lessons from building a truly global business from New Zealand, the importance of hiring the right people, and what it takes to grow at startup speed. Plus, Paul delivers his hands-on verdict on some of the latest technology to hit the market, including: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Motorola Signature Kindle Scribe Colorsoft Vestaboard Note GoPro Mission One Pro Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#802
August 18 · 1 hr 10 min
From Tesla to Trepo: Matt Taylor Reinventing the Kitchen with AI
Join host Paul Spain as he chats with Matt Taylor, Kiwi founder of Trepo, an AI-powered startup revolutionising the kitchen. Discover Matt’s journey from tinkering in New Zealand to working at Nuro and Tesla in Silicon Valley, and hear how he’s tackling food waste and kitchen chaos with smart hardware and software. Gain insights on true Silicon Valley grit, building hardware, rapid startup growth, and how AI is transforming everyday household life. Thanks to our partners: Fortinet, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, and Gorilla Technology.
#801
August 11 · 54 min
Keeping Kids Safe Online: The Safe Surfer Story
Paul Spain sits down with Rory Birkbeck, co-founder of Safe Surfer, to explore the urgent challenges of keeping young people safe online. Hear about Safe Surfer’s journey from startup to scale-up, their pioneering tech for families, and a partnership with Samsung for kid-safe devices. Discover eye-opening statistics on online harm, the complexities of digital safety, and why transparency and innovation are crucial for the next generation’s digital wellbeing. This conversation is packed with valuable perspectives on navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. Keeping Safe on the Web with Kyle the Kingfish – Safe Surfer Parent Resources-thelightproject A big thank you to our show partners: One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet, and Gorilla Technology.
#800
August 4 · 1 hr
Navigating AI, Privacy, and Innovation: Insights from Nyssa Waters
Hear from Paul Spain and Nyssa Waters, founder and CEO of Possibl.ai and RCRT, as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, touching on privacy, ethics, and data sovereignty. Nyssa Waters shares her own journey of launching Possibl.ai and RCRT, offering insider perspectives on how businesses can harness AI for innovation and growth. Plus, the latest in tech news including: Rocket Lab's major US Space Force contract and expansion in Alaska EFTPOS NZ's biometric payment terminals Robotaxis operating without steering wheels US bans on foreign-manufactured robots EU debate over the cost and risks of replacing Huawei equipment AI-model cybersecurity breaches continue Coldcard Bitcoin wallet software vulnerability and resulting theft Revved: New Zealand Business & Leadership Summit and more Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#799
July 28 · 55 min
How to unlock AI in your company - PwC’s Scott McLiver
Host Paul Spain sits down with Scott McLiver, partner and Chief AI Officer at PwC New Zealand, to explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming business. Scott shares insights from his frontline experience helping organisations adapt to AI, emphasising the importance of leadership, practical adoption strategies, and upskilling teams to unlock real productivity gains. Plus, the latest in tech news and developments including: • Revved: New Zealand Business & Leadership Summit • Spark signals potential business sale as it splits into two • Taumarunui earthquake mobile phone warnings • Hackers hijack hotel Wi-Fi DNS to steal Microsoft 365 accounts • Hugging Face hacked by rogue AI agent • American’s push back against Flock Cameras • White House intervention on AI models • A look at Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and more Thanks to our partners: Fortinet, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, and Gorilla Technology.
#798
July 21 · 1 hr 14 min
Tend’s Josh Robb: AI, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare Transformation
Host Paul Spain is joined by Josh Robb, Co-Founder and COO of Tend Health, for an in-depth look at how Tend Health is transforming primary healthcare in New Zealand through digital innovation, AI-powered clinical tools, and the challenges and opportunities of integrating traditional medical centres into a modern, connected care network. Paul and Josh also explore the latest tech news, including: • The rise of maritime drones for surveillance and defence • Skyroot's launch marks a new era for the Indian space industry • SpaceX's sharp decline in share price • An AWS glitch delivers a trillion-dollar surprise in estimated cloud bills • Japan's massive sovereign investment in AI infrastructure • Microsoft's major patch update, and more A big thank you to our show partners: One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet, and Gorilla Technology.
#797
July 14 · 1 hr 5 min
Navigating AI Trust and Transformation: Insights from One NZ’s Neeharika Chowdhary
Join host Paul Spain and Neeharika Chowdhary, General Manager of AI and Data Products at One New Zealand. Neeharika shares insights from the recently released 2026 AI Trust Report and discusses how AI is being deployed at scale to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and accelerate innovation. Discover how One NZ is approaching AI adoption, building trust, and unlocking new opportunities for customers, employees, and businesses across New Zealand. Plus the latest tech news including: Trade Me joins Tech NZ’s online scams code NZ Government chooses regulation over crypto ATM ban New York becomes first US state to ban smart glasses The fight to stop 3D-printed “ghost guns” Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI over trade secret claims Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#796
July 7 · 46 min
Self-driving EVs, AI Shoppers, Data Centres, and the Future of Finance
Host Paul Spain is joined by Ben Rose, Head of Financial Services at AA New Zealand. Together they discuss lessons from Money20/20 Bangkok, the rise of agentic commerce, stablecoins, digital finance and how AI is transforming financial services. They also delve into the latest tech news including: Google Maps' new Māori pronunciation update Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14 arrives in New Zealand UK High Court backs police use of live facial recognition. AI helps uncover a major vulnerability in ticketing platform NZ company CarbonScape secures investment and partnership with CATL Invest NZ's ambitions for large-scale data centre investment Thanks to our partners: Fortinet, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, and Gorilla Technology.
#795
June 30 · 54 min
Atomic Tessellator: Will this startup shatter China’s rare earths monopoly?
In this episode, host Paul Spain chats with Alain Richardt, founder of Atomic Tessellator. Learn about Alain’s unconventional journey from global tech consultancy to bootstrapping world-class innovation from his living room and discover how this Kiwi deep tech startup is using AI and physics-based simulation to design new materials at the atomic level, before they are physically created. Plus, the latest in tech news including: Minister David Seymour urges Pharmac to use more AI Rocket Lab Acquires Iridium in $14B Deal to Challenge Starlink SpaceX plans mobile service to rival U.S. carriers Global “Operation Endgame” disrupts cybercrime assembly line Apple price hike due to memory costs Anthropic calls for action over alleged Alibaba Claude cloning A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, PwC, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.
#794
June 23 · 42 min
Exploring AI Agents and the Future of SaaS with JD Trask
Join Paul Spain and JD Trask (Raygun & Autohive) as they dive deep into the future of AI, SaaS businesses, and the evolution innovation. Discover JD Trask’s journey from founding Raygun to launching Autohive, hands-on insights from adopting AI across teams, and candid commentary on innovation, risk, security, and growth in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Essential listening for anyone passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and AI’s impact on business. Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, and Gorilla Technology.
#793
June 16 · 53 min
Building Cyber Resilience with Fortinet’s Glenn Maiden
Host Paul Spain is joined by Glenn Maiden, Chief Security Officer at Fortinet and Director of Threat Intelligence Operations at FortiGuard Labs, Australia and New Zealand. Glenn brings invaluable insights into today’s rapidly evolving digital threat landscape with practical advice for organisations of all sizes on how to bolster cyber defences against current and future threats. Paul and Glenn also dive into the latest tech news including: TUANZ call for cross-party tech strategy for New Zealand’s digital Anthropic Suspends latest AI Models Following US Security Directive SpaceX launches largest IPO in history The emergence of autonomous AI drones in warfare Thanks to our partners: Fortinet, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, and Gorilla Technology.
#792
June 9 · 44 min
The cost of AI, Scam Prevention, and Digitising Smell with Scentian Bio
Host Paul Spain sits down with Jonathan Good, Co-Founder and CEO of Scentian Bio, to dive into the "digitisation of smell and taste “and what it means for industries in New Zealand and beyond. Jonathan shares about the realities of fundraising both locally and abroad, and the challenges and opportunities of bringing cutting-edge chemical sensing technology to market. Plus, Paul and Jonathan explore the latest tech news, including: Health New Zealand’s Hybrid Cloud Migration Spark’s Verified Call Feature Against Scams Workday’s Go Platform expands to NZ & AU 2degrees’ Shaping Business Study 2026 Is AI More Expensive Than Humans? UN Report warns of the Environmental Impact of AI A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.
#791
June 2 · 59 min
Why Every Boat Needs This: AquaGPS, Boat Theft, and Visibility at Sea
Host Paul Spain is joined by Sam Allen and Nick Walton, co-founders of NZ Boat Register, to explore how Kiwi innovation is improving marine visibility and asset tracking using AquaGPS, a Starlink-enabled GPS solution. The conversation also covers the latest in tech news, including: Game changing Nvidia chip coming to Windows laptops and PCs MSD Welfare decisions moving to AI Automated Decision-Making New Zealand’s First Deepfake Porn Prosecution One New Zealand AI Trust Report (2026) New Zealand Government budget’s impact on the tech sector Experimental chip demo shows 1000x performance gains Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, and Gorilla Technology.
#790
May 26 · 38 min
2026 NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners and Highlights
The 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards highlight a sector reaching new heights in innovation, global growth, and impact, celebrating the organisations and individuals driving New Zealand’s tech success story. In this special episode, host Paul Spain speaks with several of this year’s standout winners. Hear from Dr Yoram Benit, CEO of Tait Communications, named NZ Hi-Tech Company of the Year, and Matty Blomfield, co-founder and CEO of Hectre, winner of both the NZTE Most Innovative Hi-Tech Agritech Solution and the Greenmount and Poutama Trust Māori Hi-Tech Company of the Year. We also recognise Vaughan Fergusson’s contribution to the industry as this year’s Flying Kiwi, alongside insights from Jock Richardson and Peter Tait of TCS, winners of the Kiwibank Most Innovative Hi-Tech Solution for a More Sustainable Future. Plus, Arash Tayebi and Noreen Wilson of Kara Technologies share their journey after taking out the 2040 Ventures Hi-Tech Startup Company of the Year. With tech now contributing $24 billion to New Zealand’s economy, this episode explores the momentum behind the sector’s growth and what’s next. Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet, and Gorilla Technology.

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