NZ Tech Podcast

Host Paul Spain sits down with Dr. Ian Hunter, founder of Writer’s Toolbox, to explore the challenges and solutions behind the global writing gap in education. Discover how Dr. Hunter’s innovative AI-powered platform is transforming the way writing is taught, why writing skills are more crucial than ever, and how technology can empower both students and teachers. If you’re passionate about edtech, literacy, or future-proofing the next generation, this conversation is a great listen!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Kieran Byrne, the Chief Technology Officer at One NZ. Listen in as they explore the rise of autonomous vehicles, AI-powered telco networks, and the game-changing impact of Starlink’s satellite connectivity for Kiwis. Kieran reveals how AI is transforming One NZ’s customer service, infrastructure, and the exciting rollout of Starlink’s direct-to-satellite mobile services – a game-changer for rural and remote connectivity – and what to expect as 3G is phased out and 5G coverage continues to grow. Kieran offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in modernising legacy infrastructure, plus thoughts on how AI could transform government and the wider tech ecosystem in New Zealand.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Listen in as host Paul Spain is joined by Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks.Projectworks was Emerging Hi-Tech Company of the Year at this year's NZ Hi-Tech Awards and recently closed a significant Series A funding round bringing the company valuation in the range of $100m NZ dollars. With extensive experience in tech and consulting, Mark shares insights on the journey of building Project Works, scaling SaaS businesses, global expansion from Wellington, and leveraging AI to transform consulting. Discover lessons on team building, culture, and how Kiwi pragmatism competes globally.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain as he welcomes Shan Moorthy, CTO for APAC at Workday, for a deep dive into the evolving role of AI and automation in enterprise software. Discover how Workday’s global engineering teams— including those based in Auckland—are shaping the future of digital employees, agentic AI, and dynamic SaaS innovation. Plus, Shan reveals tech insights for organisations embracing digital transformation in New Zealand and beyond.Whether you are a tech leader, business strategist, or just fascinated by where work is heading, this episode is packed with fresh perspectives, practical advice, and a forward-looking view of what it means to innovate in today’s digital workplace.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Hear from host Paul Spain and Brett Blackman, (HP NZ) as they explore HP’s latest innovations—ranging from AI-powered features like the HP AI Companion, which promises to boost productivity and offer new levels of privacy and control, to the ongoing evolution in printing and sustainability. Brett shared insights into HP’s work with major hardware partners, the importance of built-in security with tools like HP Wolf Security, and HP’s product rebranding from Spectre and Pavilion to OmniBook.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business owner, or simply curious about how technology shapes our daily lives, you’ll find plenty of practical takeaways and fascinating stories as Paul and Brett discuss everything from gaming laptops and retail experiences to the future of AI at HP.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss New Zealand’s expanding role in tech and aerospace. The conversation covers Rocket Lab’s latest developments, Tesla’s autonomous vehicle trials in Texas, the complexities of balancing online safety for children with privacy concerns and the latest on what’s happening within TUANZ, including efforts to improve digital connectivity and tackle issues of affordability and access across Aotearoa. Plus hear Paul’s exclusive interview with Mark Rocket, NZ’s first astronaut and space tourist, as he shares what it’s like to launch into space, experience zero gravity, and look back on our planet from above.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain sits down with Angus Brown, co-founder of Ārepa, a New Zealand-based brain food technology company blending neuroscience, cutting-edge nutrition, and food tech innovation. Together, they discuss the journey of Ārepa, their mission to improve brain performance through scientifically backed products. Plus, a look at the latest tech news, including 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Award winners, Litmaps' funding success, One NZ's AI Trust report, West Auckland's Datacentre and OpenAI's strategic acquisition of Jony Ive's hardware startup. Discover highlights from Google I/O 2025 and Insights on Microsoft's AI plans and more.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

Join host Paul Spain and Francesca Logan (Toku Eyes) and discover how Toku Eyes is using retinal photography and AI to detect and predict a range of health conditions. They also discuss tech news including a Wellington man's alleged $450 million crypto scam, Spark's partnership with Nokia for network efficiency, China's space-based supercomputer project, groundbreaking gene therapy success, Amazon's new warehouse robot, Elton John's criticism of AI copyright policy and more.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

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 alternatives. The conversation also explores the latest in tech news, from social media bans for under-16s, the ethics of AI-generated victim impact statements, Fake alert phishing and big tech company settlement to Auckland’s bid to become a tech innovation hub. They also discuss the highs and lows of startup life and raising investment as a deep tech company and more.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology

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 challenges, Health NZ's proposed workforce changes, Spotify's flexible payment options, AI’s energy demands, the Potential hazards of orbital overcrowding and more.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology