NZ Tech Podcast
by 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.
Episodes
-
New Zealand's Aerospace Future: From Earth to Orbit
New Zealand's aerospace sector continues to push new boundaries. In this Part 2 special from the Aerospace Summit in Christchurch, Paul Spain speaks with industry innovators and investors exploring what's next for New Zealand aerospace. From high-altitude solar aircraft and uncrewed aviation to...
-
Flying Cars, Government Drones and Workday’s AI strategy
Paul Spain is joined by Jonathan Brabant, New Zealand Director at Workday, to explore the rapid rise of AI agents and what they could mean for the future of work, including agentic AI, headless enterprise software, MCP integrations, and how platforms like Claude, Copilot and Workday are...
-
Inside New Zealand's Aerospace: Founders, Innovators and Investors
New Zealand's aerospace sector is gaining momentum, and the recent Aerospace Summit in Christchurch brought together the people helping drive that growth. In this first of two episodes series, Paul Spain sits down with founders, investors and industry leaders, to explore the innovation emerging...
-
Looking into NZ’s Future – Aerospace, AI, Mobile
Host Paul Spain and Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss TUANZ’s role as an independent voice for technology users, including its priorities for responsible AI, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and long-term technology planning. They also explore how AI-powered scams are getting faster, sharper, and...
-
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,...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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 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,...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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…
more -
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…
more -
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,...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
AI Backlash, Mevo’s Collapse, Rural Connectivity, and Device Upgrades
Join Host Paul Spain and Bill Bennett, tech and telecommunications journalist, for a wide-ranging discussion on the latest tech news from New Zealand and beyond, including: Car-sharing startup Mevo goes into liquidation Rural connectivity funding report Mobile Network Outages and Resiliency...
-
Mike Casey: Electric Tech Enabled World First Farm
Paul Spain visits Mike Casey at Electric Cherries in Central Otago for an inspiring dive into tech-driven sustainable farming. Discover how Mike went from tech startup success in Sydney to building New Zealand’s first fully electric cherry orchard, where self-generated solar power slashes costs…
more -
Exploring Paysquad, AWS data centre build abandoned, China EV risks
Host Paul Spain is joined by Cam Richardson, founder of Paysquad, to dive into the latest in tech news and innovation. They discuss Amazon scrapping its West Auckland data centre plans, the expansion of AI-powered infrastructure in Invercargill, EV charging with ChargeNet, movie deal for a…
more -
Leveraging Agentic AI: Key Strategies with Workday’s Shan Moorthy
Listen in as Paul Spain sits down with Shan Moorthy, Chief Technology Officer for APAC at Workday, for an in-depth conversation on the rapid evolution of AI in the workplace. They explore the latest trends around generative and agentic AI, discuss real-world successes and setbacks from AI…
more -
Allbirds AI Pivot, Rocket Lab Innovation + BlinkPay’s Banking Future
Host Paul Spain and Adrian Smith, founder and CEO of BlinkPay, explore open banking, the impacts of the Consumer Product Data Act, and how BlinkPay is helping reshape payments and data sharing in Aotearoa. Adrian delves into the practical challenges of legacy banking tech and the latest…
more -
Satellites, Space, and Spark: Reshaping Global Connectivity
Join host Paul Spain and Nilay Rathod (Spark) as they explore this week’s tech stories including Scentian Bio’s $7m Boost, Lanaco's wool-based space filtration on Artemis II, Air NZ to expand digital ID trials, Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, China’s supercomputer breach and Amazon Leo launch...
-
Artemis 2 Mission, Starlink Competition, and Apple at 50
Host Paul Spain is joined by Brett Roberts as they unpack the latest tech news from New Zealand and the wider world. From Peter Beck’s bold leadership, a look back at Apple’s 50‑year legacy of design and disruption, a trip around the moon with Artemis 2 crew and more. Topics include: Peter Beck...
-
Halter’s Billion Dollar Rise, 3G Farewell, and Xero’s Next-Gen AI
Join host Paul Spain and James Bergin (Xero) as they unpack this week’s tech news, including Halter’s multi-million-dollar funding, NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2026 finalists announced, the end of the 3G era in New Zealand, landmark legal cases against Meta, concerns about privacy with smart glasses, and...
-
Crimson’s Growth and Edtech Innovation with Jamie Beaton
Host Paul Spain is joined by Jamie Beaton, co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education. Jamie shares updates on Crimson’s impressive growth over the past five years, from expanding their core mission of getting students into the world’s top universities, to launching new ventures like the fully...
-
One NZ Satellite Connectivity, AI Factory and 150 years of phone calls
Listen in as host Paul Spain sits down with Joe Goddard (One NZ) as they explore One NZ's satellite-to-mobile networks, introduction of One Wallet and Phone Dollars and what’s next for One NZ. They also review tech news from the week including: InternetNZ’s latest findings on Kiwis’ online habits...
-
Private 5G Networks, Online Scam Codes, and Mars Bioimaging’s CT Solutions
Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Dr Ojas Mahapatra, Group CEO of Mars Bioimaging Ltd, to explore cutting-edge advances in portable CT scanning and the future of medtech innovation from Christchurch. Plus a look at tech news from the week including: NZ’s new Online Scams Code 2degrees and...
-
Boosting Tech Startups and Productivity with NZGCP
Host Paul Spain is joined by James Pinner, CEO of New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP), to explore the impact of New Zealand’s venture capital and startup scene. Together, they dig into the origins of NZGCP, the changing landscape for Kiwi startups, and the crucial role government funding...
-
Inside Education Perfect with CO-Founder Shane Smith
Host Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, the co-founder of Education Perfect, for a fascinating dive into the world of edtech innovation. Shane shares the story behind Education Perfect’s rise, building a gamified language learning platform that now helps millions of students and teachers…
more -
Celebrating NZ Innovation: Hi-Tech Awards, AI, and Tech Leadership
Join Paul Spain as he welcomes Marian Johnson for a lively discussion about New Zealand’s tech innovation scene. Explore the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, tips for aspiring finalists, Partly’s exciting journey in North America, and why New Zealand is positioned to lead globally in technology and innovation....
-
OpenClaw: Next step in AI evolution or Overhyped?
Dive into the world of OpenClaw as Paul Spain is joined by industry leaders Seeby Woodhouse (Voyager Internet) and Nigel Parker (Vivara). together they explore what makes OpenClaw so groundbreaking, discuss its potential for transforming both the way we work and the broader tech industry, and...
-
Space, Robots and AI with 2degrees' Stephen Kurzeja
Listen in as host Paul Spain is joined by Stephen Kurzeja (2degrees) to discuss 2degrees’ direct‑to‑cell satellite coverage, and AI‑powered digital transformation. They also review the latest tech news, including Blue Origin’s lunar pivot, Kiwi AI platform helping teachers save time, SpaceX files...
-
Inside SYOS Aerospace: Rapid Development, Engineering Culture, and Global Impact
Join host Paul Spain as he sits down with Sam Vye of Syos Aerospace, a trailblazing New Zealand tech company shaking up the unmanned vehicle industry. Hear how Syos rapidly prototypes cutting-edge drones, outpaces global defence giants, and scales from Kiwi innovation to international contracts....
-
Hornet Trackers, Siri upgrades + Grok's deepfake fiasco
Hear from host Paul Spain and Seeby Woodhouse (Voyager Internet) as they unpack this week's tech news including, One NZ kicking off its 3G shutdown in Dunedin, Radio Trackers boost Auckland’s hornet hunt, EB Games’ nationwide exit and the government’s new AI advisory pilot for SMEs. They explore...
-
Avoiding a ManageMyHealth repeat + CES26 Review
Callum McMenamin (OpenAccess) joins host Paul Spain to unpack Manage My Health data breach, exploring critical shortcomings in cybersecurity and the lack of mandatory multi-factor authentication. They also cover Kereru.ai’s sovereign AI project with SCX.ai, plus CES 2026 highlights including...
-
Robots That Work: Lachlan Murray Talks Tech, Innovation, and NZ’s Unique Needs
Host Paul Spain talks with Robomate founder Lachlan Murray about how robotics are transforming life in New Zealand. They cover Robomate’s origins, advances in robotic lawnmowers and vacuums and the challenges of importing and supporting these technologies locally. Murray emphasizes…
more -
Entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley, and Building Count: Insights from Chris Smith
Listen in as host Paul Spain sits down with Chris Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Count, an AI-powered accounting platform aiming to disrupt the likes of Xero and traditional accounting software. Chris shares his journey from early startups like Dash Tickets at university, and STQRY to working with...
-
2025 in Review: Autonomy, Cybersecurity, AI and Startups - with Ben O'Brien
Hear from Paul Spain and Ben O'Brien as they unpack the latest tech news including NZ Police’s redaction glitch, a new Government Digital Delivery Agency, smart TV privacy concerns, James Powell's transition from Dawn Aerospace and Waymo’s outage pause and the future of autonomous vehicles. Plus,...
-
NZ's top tech companies - with TIN200's Greg Shanahan
Join Paul Spain and Greg Shanahan, Managing Director at Veriphi and TIN, as they delve into the 2025 TIN Report revealing key takeaways, growth sectors, the evolving world of tech exports, and how NZ companies are navigating the challenges and opportunities in capital, talent, and global...
-
Kiwi Apps Win Big, Open Banking Arrives, and India’s Digital Mandate
Host Paul Spain is joined by tech journalist Bill Bennett to unpack the latest tech news, including Two Kiwi made apps scoop Apple’s 2025 App Store Awards, Open banking is officially mandated in New Zealand. We discuss banks’ device and behavioural surveillance, RAM price hikes and India’s...
-
From Sim to Track: James Corban on Racing, Technology, and Performance
Hear from host Paul Spain and Professional race car driver, James Corban, as they dive into the world of motorsport. James Corban his unique journey from racing novice to championship winner, and explains how data, simulators, and the right mindset have played a vital role in his rapid rise. The...
-
Inside Facebook Marketplace with Bowen Pan
Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Bowen Pan, an inspiring tech entrepreneur whose journey spans from founding uniFriend while at the University of Auckland, leading product at Trade Me, and making a massive impact in Silicon Valley with Facebook Marketplace and Stripe. Bowen shares invaluable...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Paul Spain
Categories