NZ Tech Podcast

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 adoption, and dig into strategies for organisations looking to leverage AI safely, efficiently, and at scale....

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 innovations in consumer payments. Together they look at the latest tech news including: The dramatic pivot of Al...

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 updates. Plus, Nilay discusses how Spark’s collaboration with Starlink is revolutionising connectivity, the...

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 cuts his Rocket Lab salary to $1 Spark launches Starlink satellite‑to‑mobile services NZ Government fund...

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 rising cybersecurity risks. James also shares insights into Xero’s multi-year partnership with Anthropic...

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 accredited Crimson Global Academy and New Zealand’s innovative Aotearoa Infinite Academy charter school. The...

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 and AI caution Datagrid’s South Island 'AI factory' QR-code food labels concerns Starlink’s pricing ba...

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 Ericsson’s private 5G rollout at Lyttelton Port NZ cyber security stratergy 2026 - 2030 Apple’s budget MacB...

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 plays in building a thriving tech ecosystem. They discuss how government-backed funds, bold startups, a...

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 across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation covers early development and key technical challenges, t...

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. Plus, the latest tech news including: NZ’s annual space launch limit increased Chris Liddell joins Ant...

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 reflect on the excitement, and risks, of this latest advancement in AI-powered assistants that’s taking th...

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 million‑satellite orbital data‑centre plan, Moltbook's social media for AI, Tesla’s robotics shift,...

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. Discover their unique engineering culture, rapid product development, and what it takes to compete wit...

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 Apple's choice to use Gemini AI for Siri and Grok’s deepfake controversy. Plus, Seeby shares candid r...

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 gadgets, LG’s CLOiD chore robot, LEGO’s sensor‑packed Smart Bricks, Boston Dynamics’ production Atlas, Inte...

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 fit-for-purpose products and strong customer support. The episode explores China’s rapid robotics innovation, future...

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 Meta, and the inspiration and challenges behind launching Count. He discusses its rapid growth, globa...

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, Ben O'Brien shares insights from his upcoming book for founders. A must-listen for tech enthusiasts an...

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 competition. They also discuss some of the latest tech news including the new Govt.nz app, 3G shutdown timeli...

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 compulsory cyber safety app. Plus Motorola's latest phones and our Christmas Tech Gifts guide featuring Dyson...

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 conversation explores everything from professional-grade sim racing setups to the challenges—and costs...

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 lessons on ambition, failure, and the evolution of New Zealand’s tech scene. Tune in for insights on g...

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown talks with Paul Spain about the future of technology in Auckland and New Zealand. The mayor shares his vision for making Auckland a leading tech hub and how he believes the city can better contribute to New Zealand’s economy. From his experience leading business delegations to China and India, to his hands-on approach supporting the Auckland Tech Alliance and pushing for...

Host Paul Spain is joined by Jonathan Brabant ( Workday ), for a deep dive into how Workday is helping Kiwi businesses modernise their HR and finance systems. From cloud-native architecture to AI-powered insights, discover how Workday is enabling smarter decisions and driving agility across Aotearoa. Plus, we unpack the latest tech news including Microsoft’s AI pricing apology and refunds in NZ an...