techbytes.nz

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we talk with Megan Matthews and Jo McNaughton about the learnings from the Te Ara Hihiko pilot programme they worked on with a rangatahi panel at Pukekohe High School in 2025.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're changing it up with myself and Andrew Cushen discussing the latest news and generally giving our views on their impact.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 56th episode, I spend time talking with Paul Littlefair who is the Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Kiwibank, as well as being the Chair of the TUANZ Board.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 55th episode and the first, we're talking with Kris Dempster-Rivett and Kelsey Hallahan about our selection of the Recycle a Device programme as our social impact partner for 2026.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. It's the last episode of techbytes for 2025, and I thought we'd do something a little different for episode 54.  I've gathered together a panel of "experts" including Ange Nash, Oliver Hill, and Paul Brislen to take a look back on the year that was in a not always overly serious manner.  It was a lot of fun recording this episode, it includes a lot of laughs and some very insightful conversations from AI, to 3G and includes discussion about kids and smartphone usage.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 53rd episode, I spend time talking with Paul James was appointed Secretary for Internal Affairs and Chief Executive for Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs in 2018. And he also holds the role of Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) where he is responsible for digital leadership across government agencies.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 52nd episode I spend time chatting with Alex Stewart who founded the WISP Wombat.Net at age 14!

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 51st episode, I spend time talking with Mark Aue, the CEO at Chorus.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month for our 50th episode, I have my very first guest back on - Jason Paris, the CEO at One NZ.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some months we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month I'm talking with Matt Bain who is the Marketing and Data Director at Spark, and a well know proponent of using AI tools in his organisation and others.  We talk through the growth and the implications of GenAI as well as a couple of websites he keeps an eye on.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month I'm talking with the well known fibre guy, Benoit Felten from his home in France.  We talk about how he became a guru as well as what his thoughts are on technology developments now and into the future.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. In this months episode, I have a conversation with Nicky Preston (One NZ), Wenzel Hunter (Defend) and Stuart Wakefield (TechLeaders Co-Chair) about the recently released Aotearoa's Digital Priorities Report for 2025.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month I'm republishing the latest flint talks podcast where Caitlin Tennant and Eden Robertson talk with the Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Annaliese Atina, MD of Ford NZ and a member of the Board of TUANZ.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Bridget Snelling, the NZ Country Manager for Xero.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Megan Tapsell, the GM Enterprise & Pacific Technology and the Chair of AI Forum NZ.

This episode is an experiment that we undertook by loading the recently released 2024 Rural Connectivity Symposium Communique into a new AI tool from Google called NotebookLM.  Once there you can ask the tool to develop a summary of the document, an FAQ, and in this case a podcast.  You can listen to this for a summary of the communique and you can see how the tool does with outputting a podcast.  We have not edited it at all - so mispronunciation of te reo Māori, American accents and other querks have been left in.  Enjoy.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're doing a special episode bringing Lee Timutimu back to chat about his important mahi to develop and deliver an affordable fast broadband service for those who can't afford a standard retail service.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Mike Smith, the CEO and founder of The Connectivity Group and the Chair of the Wireless ISP Association of NZ.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Jonathan Waecker, the Chief Customer and Sales Officer at The Warehouse Group, and the Chair of the Digital Boost Alliance Governance Board.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Liz Gosling, the CIO and CISO at AUT in Auckland.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Jason Paris, CEO at One NZ.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Saba Samiei, Founder and CEO as Macso, an AI based startup.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Victoria MacLennan, CEO of IT Professionals and Co-Chair of DECA

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Lee Timutimu, the founder of Te Matarau / The Māori Tech Association

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Dr Lloyd McCann, the CEO of Tamaki Health and a thought leader in digital health.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Raj Singh, the CEO of Entelar Group

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Mark Callander, the CEO of 2degrees.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Nikhil Ravishankar, the Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Tracey Taylor, the CEO of Yellow (publisher of Yellow Pages).

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with the Hon Judith Collins, opposition spokesperson on Research, Science, AI and Technology

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Amelia Linzey of Beca.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Brooke Roberts, the co-founder of Sharesies.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Melissa Lee who is currently the opposition spokesperson for Broadcasting and Communications.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Angela Carter, the CIO at NZ Rugby.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we're talking with Jordan Carter as he brings his time at InternetNZ to an end, the last 9 years as CEO.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we are talking with Frances Valintine CNZM who is the Founder & CEO of The Mind Lab & Tech Futures Lab.

Every month we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment. This month we are talking with Rachel Kelly, currently co-Owner of Taylored Health & Performance, co-CEO of a new biotech startup, Taylored Technologies and a Ministerial Advisor on the Digital Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and Board Member at Callaghan Innovation.

The Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit, is the ongoing trend of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This movement is here and quite real - most vividly seen in the USA this year with over 11 million workers quitting their jobs in (their) spring of this year!  We’ve asked Julia Shallcrass to share why she chose to leave her life in a large law firm to start her own HR training company. And what sorts of things and decisions should you be looking to make before you become part of the great resignation yourself, and start your own business.

Adam is an urbanist who has worked for private sector consultancies and leading global non-government organisations to advance sustainable community outcomes for over 25 years. As Executive Director with the Smart Cities Council, he works with the world’s longest running smart cities organisation focused on catalysing action and investment in technology and data to accelerate liveability, workability and sustainability.

Eteroa Lafaele was announced as the 2021 New Zealand Young IT Professional of the Year for her tenacity as a trailblazer in the field of software development and her extraordinary leadership and clear aspiration to help her Pasifika communities. She is a technology evangelist in her professional role at Xero, and also for those under-represented in our industry, most specifically Māori and Pasifika. Eteroa is passionate about ‘Tautua’ (serving her community) and continuing to grow and lead in the technology industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this special session we are talking with Sarah Hirini, the Captain of the Olympic Goal Medal winning Black Fern Sevens.  Kaity Mitchell and Zoe Udy talk to Sarah about leadership in a high performing team, empowering wahine and career choices when you're at the top.

This week we're talking with Andy Burner - VP Operations (COO America's) at Xero and the NZ Honorary Counsel in Colorado. Andy is a commercial orientated, people focused, global Software as a Service (SaaS) executive with a passion for creating and evolving scaling cultures where teams can do their best work every day. Based in Denver Colorado for the last 4 years and as a dual New Zealand and UK citizen Andy has an international perspective.

We’re all used to the discussion about how streaming services have had a huge impact on broadcast television - but what about the other main broadcast media - that of audio and especially radio? How has radio responded to the increased convergence between technology, broadcasting, and communications and the growth of the internet.  We talk with James Cridland and James Butcher on the topic.

This week we're talking to Luke Campbell who is the CEO & Co-Founder of Vxt, a phone systems & smart voicemail platform. Luke also has an extensive history of leadership and community involvement including founding Amnesty UC and volunteering for multiple community organisations during his studies.

This week we are talking with Paul Conway - Chief Economist at BNZ. Paul has been with the bank for 2 years having come from the Productivity Commission prior to that. Paul is passionate about working to close that gap and to motivate the private sector and non-Government organisations to play their part. He is also a key advocate for the recently launched Digital Boost Alliance.

This week we are talking with Jordan Carter, CEO of InternetNZ - operator of the .nz domain and a charity that helps New Zealanders harness the power of the Internet.

This week on techbytes.nz we are looking into the future of tech with Gerd Leonhard.  Gerd is a Futurist and a Humanist, a leading global Keynote Speaker (on stage as well as virtually), the Author of 5 books including ‘Technology vs. Humanity’ and a Film-Maker. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts in London, and the CEO of The Futures Agency in Zürich / Switzerland. “Embrace technology but don’t become it” is his credo.

Should you still be considering an O.E post-covid? Our third episode of our relaunched techbytes.nz series is maybe one more for our future leaders, but actually anyone who’s keen to hear what life and work has been like for our friends on their O.E. should join us for this one. We’re talking to two of our past members of FLINT leaderships teams, Caity Butcher and Jarrod Brumm.

Tech and leadership talks with TUANZ.  This week we chat with Jason Paris, CEO of Vodafone NZ one year since we talked to him at the beginning of the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 in Aotearoa NZ.