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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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33 episodes
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Avg 53 min
English

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#815
Tuesday · 43 min
AI, Engineering and the Future of Startups with Max Olson
Host Paul Spain talks with Max Olson, founder of Pretty Fast, building ambitious deep-tech companies and AI-powered manufacturing. Max shares the thinking behind Halter, Vessev, and his latest venture, Pretty Fast, an instant-quote laser-cutting business built with a lean technology stack. Hear how hydrofoils can cut boat energy use by up to 80%, why ferries are a practical starting point for electric vessels, and how AI let Max Olson build software, manufacturing workflows, and a business without hiring a software team. Paul Spain explores the bets and pivots behind it. Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.
#814
November 4 · 40 min
Inside Surface: Microsoft’s Vision for AI Computing
Join Paul Spain as he goes behind the scenes with Microsoft’s Surface team for a closer look at how AI is reshaping the future of personal computing. He sits down with Nancie Gaskill, Chief Operating Officer for Surface, and Angela Chen Krauskopf, General Manager for Surface Hardware Engineering, to explore the thinking and innovation driving Microsoft’s devices. From running more AI directly on our PCs to designing the hardware that will support increasingly intelligent experiences, the conversations reveal how Microsoft is approaching the next era of computing and how the relationship between people, AI and their devices could evolve in the years ahead. A big thank you to our show partners: One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.
#813
October 27 · 40 min
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 space manufacturing, re-entry technology and deep-tech investment, these conversations reveal the technologies and opportunities helping shape New Zealand's growing aerospace ecosystem. Hear from: Daniel Price, Chief Scientist at Kea Aerospace Jamie France, Founder and CEO of Outlier Space Alexandra Vidyuk, General Partner at Beyond Earth Ventures Stuart Poppelwell, EagleFlight Technics Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#812
October 20 · 1 hr
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 increasingly working together. They also discuss where organisations are drawing the line between automation and human decision-making. They also discuss the latest tech news including: NZ Expands Drone Surveillance Capabilities Gisborne council wins award for AI mapping project Last calls for New Zealand’s public phone booths Websites fighting back against AI agents Telsa’s Rocket-propelled flying car Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.
#811
October 13 · 50 min
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 from New Zealand's aerospace ecosystem. From advanced aviation technologies and aerospace engineering to commercial opportunities, investment, and global ambitions, these conversations offer a unique look inside one of the country's most exciting industries. Here from: Stefan Powell - CEO of Dawn Aerospace Martin Cudd - General Manager Innovation and Business Growth at ChristchurchNZ Adam Wade - Founder of Abstract Space William Hunter - Co-founder and CTO of Astrix Astronautics Angus Blair - Managing Partner at Outset Ventures A big thank you to our show partners: One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.
#810
October 6 · 1 hr 1 min
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 harder to spot, and unpack sophisticated phishing and cloned voiced scams. Plus the latest tech news including: Cyber Smart Week Aerospace 2026 Summit 'Ghost job' concerns Bunnings new Buddy AI assistant Italy's top bank gets AI voice scammed Subsea cable internet disruption Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence’ rebrand Special thanks to our show partners: SAP, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
#809
September 29 · 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. Lume — Own the Albums You Love, Beyond Streaming 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.

Showing 1–20 of 33 episodes