NZ Tech Podcast

Host Paul Spain is joined by Zarina Alexander , co-founder and CEO of Neocrete , a pioneering deep tech startup based in New Zealand that's reshaping the global concrete industry. Zarina shares the story behind Neocrete's mission to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete—one of the world’s most widely used and environmentally impactful materials—by developing innovative, low-carbon cement alterna...

Join host Paul Spain and Jonathan Good ( Scentian Bio ) as they explore Scentian Bio's innovative technology, poised to transform real-time chemical sensing in food, health, and environmental monitoring. Jonathan explains its origins and potential uses, such as detecting food contamination and wearable health diagnostics. Plus, tech news from the week including, Governmental email protocol challen...

Hear from host Paul Spain and Matt Archer , CTO of Quadrent , as they dive into the latest digital priorities for 2025, tackling cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the tech talent gap. They also explore satellite texting, EV charging infrastructure, the risks of Microsoft’s Windows Recall, battery recycling, and Quadrent’s sustainability initiatives supporting Kiwi students. Tune in for insight...

Host Paul Spain sits down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to explore the world of Kiwi tech startups and venture capital. Robbie shares insights on the evolution of New Zealand’s investment landscape, lessons from backing nearly 350 companies, and the traits behind successful founders. You'll hear engaging stories about standout companies like Halter, Dawn Aerospace and others included...

Join Paul Spain and Alastair Miller , Principal Advisory Consultant at Aura Information Security, as they discuss Kordia's latest cybersecurity report, exploring the current landscape of cybersecurity threats and defences in New Zealand. The discussion touches on the unique challenges faced by New Zealand businesses, the evolving threat of AI-driven cyberattacks, and the importance of rigorous inc...

In this special episode, host Paul Spain dives into the latest developments in the iPhone ecosystem, following the recent launch of the iPhone 16e. Paul provides insights into the pricing strategies and feature differences across the new iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Pro, and their larger variants. For those in the market for a new phone, Paul offers a detailed comparison of the...

Hear from host Paul Spain and Justin Soong founder and technical director at Authsignal , as Justin shares about fortifying online security through innovative authentication solutions. They discuss the challenges and triumphs surrounding identity protection and the latest cybersecurity breaches. Plus, tech news from the week including: 2025 Hi-Tech Awards finalists revealed Canadian Tech company b...

Host Paul Spain is joined by Jens Anders ( Samsung NZ ) as they delve into the exciting and ever-evolving world of technology. They discuss the expansive product portfolio Jens oversees at Samsung New Zealand, including everything from mobile phones to home appliances and more. They also dive into tech news, exploring topics like AI regulation, online safety, Military AI and the impact of technolo...

Join host Paul Spain and Grant Straker , CEO of Straker. AI , as Grant shares insights into Straker's journey from building early websites to a leading provider of AI-driven content automation, verification, and translation services. With operations spanning ten countries and more than 150 staff, Straker's innovative approach leverages both human and machine collaboration to navigate the...

Hear from host Paul Spain and business advisor Jason Langley , as Jason shares insights into business leadership, reflecting on his experiences and evolving role as an independent business advisor. They also delve into various topics and tech news including: 2degrees and Spark satellite-to-mobile news Ambitious plans for a power cable linking New Zealand and Australia Allstate car insurer sued for...

Join Paul Spain and Ryan Ashton (A Few Quiet Yarns - AFQY ) as they delve into the dynamic landscape of AI, autonomous driving technology, and the MWC 2025. They look autonomous vehicles and Kiwi-founded Wayve's expansion in Europe, Meta’s apology for Instagram feeds displaying graphic content, the Mobile World Congress 2025 and the evolving role of AI in areas like browsing, mobile networks and t...

Host Paul Spain is joined by seasoned tech and telecommunications journalist Bill Bennett . Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of tech, telecommunications and media, including: Sky TV's potential loss of All Blacks rights to DZAN Robotics Plus acquired by Yamaha Motors Some Chinese apps blocked on MP devices Financial health of Spark and Chorus future of satellite and mobile networks....

Host Paul Spain sits down with Rowan Simpson , Chairman of the Hoku Group and author of " How to Be Wrong ." Discover the intriguing journey of Trade Me, Xero, Vend, and Timely as Rowan shares insights from his new book, on building successful companies and the importance of asking the right questions. With candid discussions on New Zealand’s startup ecosystem and investment strategies, this episo...

Join host Paul Spain and Finn Hogan (Caffeine Daily) as they explore tech news and insights including: Tū Ātea's plan to launch NZ's first commercial Private 5G network at Wellington port Ivo’s Legal tech startup US success Wakapuāwai fund boost to digitise mental health resources New Zealand's Emission targets Musk's bid for OpenAI Google's ambitious quantum computing timeline Plus, a look at HP...

Listen in as Paul Spain and Brett Roberts ( Creative CAM ), dive into the world of tech developments and governmental innovations. This episode covers pivotal topics such as AI safety guidelines for NZ government agencies, the implications of quantum computing in New Zealand, and the fascinating use of AI in pest control. Brett also shares insights on the long reaching impact of Callaghan Innovati...

Host Paul Spain is joined by financial advisor Darcy Ungaro ( Ungaro & Co. ), as they explore the latest tech news, and take a closer look at the cryptocurrency landscape. Darcy shares insights from his experience as a financial advisor and discusses the balance between being your own bank and the risks involved with cryptocurrency. The conversation also covers crypto firm Ledger co-founder su...

Marian Johnson joins Host Paul Spain , and shares her journey within New Zealand’s Tech sector, including her role as the former chief executive of Ministry of Awesome , and her current roles as Founder and CEO of CareerWise and chair for Electrify Aotearoa Women Founder Programmes and the NZ Hi-Tech Trust. Together they discuss the significance of the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and its role in highlightin...

Join Josh Webb ( Hypr NZ ) and host Paul Spain as they delve into cybersecurity concerns following the alleged hacking incident on the U.S. Treasury. They explore key trends from CES 2025 including autonomous systems, innovative robotics and AI virtual training, and discuss New Zealand's pioneering geothermal projects. The episode also covers Northland internet outage and the impact of emerging sa...

Listen in as host Paul Spain and guest Adrian Smith , CEO of BlinkPay , dive into the dynamic world of digital banking and fintech. Adrian sheds light on BlinkPay's innovative journey, highlighting their partnership with the Bank of New Zealand and the development of modern financial solutions. The conversation also touches on challenges related to fraud and the importance of customer data control...

Join host Paul Spain and Levi Fawcett , founder of Partly as Levi shares insights from All Goods, delves into the complexities of the automotive industry, and discusses Partly's mission to revolutionise car parts procurement. Discover his journey from Rocket Lab's innovative culture to addressing a $1.9 trillion market with groundbreaking solutions. Fawcett emphasizes ambition, transparency, and p...

Join Paul Spain and Andy Patrick ( Argus Tracking ) as Andy shares insights into Argus Tracking and their fleet management solutions. Plus tech news from the week including: Microsoft’s new NZ based data centre Fullers hydrofoil electric ferry Pause on Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Township pitches in for CCTV surveillance ZURU Tech's Innovations in housing construction New York mystery drones...

Hear former Prime Minister Sir John Key (Director - Palo Alto Networks ) and Misti Landtroop (Managing Director NZ- Palo Alto Networks), as they join Paul Spain to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Sir John Key shares unique perspective drawn from his current and past experiences, including: - Prime Minister of New Zealand - Minister responsible of Special Intelligence Service (SIS)...

Listen in as host Paul Spain and Renee Mateparae ( Spark NZ ) delve into Spark's plans for data centres, the benefits of 5G Standalone, transition from 3G and the role of AI in service enhancement and Spark's strategic vision for the future of telecommunications. Plus tech news from the week including: NZ banks' new scam protection tools Cheap phone charger sparks house fire Parking fines highligh...

Host Paul Spain sits down with 2degrees ' CEO Mark Callander , as They delve into New Zealand's connectivity landscape, exploring rural broadband advancements, the future of 5G, and strategic mergers shaping the industry. Mark shares insights on satellite technologies, Network for Learning partnership, customer-centric innovations and how 2degrees is positioning itself as a value player amidst eco...

Host Paul Spain sits down with venture capitalist Lance Wiggs ( Punakaiki Fund , Climate VC Fund ), as they delve into the evolving landscape of venture capital in New Zealand and its critical role in nurturing Kiwi tech startups. Together they explore the history, challenges, and successes of venture capital, innovative climate investments and current NZ tech startups. Listen in and gain insights...