
NZ Tech Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2023 • 45min
Cybersecurity Authentication with Alex Wilson and Stephen Phillips
Paul Spain is joined by guests Alex Wilson (Yubico) and Stephen Phillips (Snyk) to discuss the current state of security measures in technology, including the best ways to protect against identity theft and phishing attacks, and the impact of recent cyber-attacks. They also share their thoughts on the use of hardware-backed security keys, password managers, and biometrics as authentication factors. The episode concludes with advice for individuals and larger organizations on how to ensure their online security.

Jun 13, 2023 • 1h 2min
Can Apple make Augmented Reality something we all buy?
On this episode of NZ Tech Podcast, host Paul Spain is joined by guest Darrell Webster of Modern Work Mentor to discuss Apples latest developments including Apple Vision Pro - the latest virtual/augmented reality headset and 15” MacBook Air. They also discuss United Airlines' in-flight entertainment upgrades, Rocket Lab's acquisition of Virgin Orbit's key assets, NZ national space policy, EU’s investment into tech innovation, Microsoft 365’s AI capabilities for Copilot and more.

Jun 6, 2023 • 55min
Disrupting Hollywood: Inside a $2B Market Shift
In the last decade there has been massive changes in media, technology and connectivity. Paul Spain and Matthew Jackson (Alimentary Systems) delve into disruptive technologies and how they challenge existing market norms and give rise to new consumer behaviours. They also discuss the barriers to innovation in New Zealand and being willing to take risks to stay ahead of the curve.

May 30, 2023 • 57min
Are we ready for Musk's Bluetooth Brain link, NBN 'smashed' by Starlink and more
Paul Spain is joined by Brett Roberts (kiwiSaaS) to discuss Neuralink's approval for human trials, NBN loosing customers to Starlink, HP printer dramas, Fibre expands NZ seismic zone research, taxing tech companies and more.

May 23, 2023 • 58min
Spark NZ chat: IoT Expansion and new 3-year strategy
Renee Mateparae (Spark NZ) and Michele Wong (Spark IoT) join host Paul Spain to discuss Spark IoT growth milestones and Spark’s new 3-year strategy, they also discuss NZ's 2023 budget investment in tech, Amazon Prime Air drone dramas, 365-day online Banking and more.

May 17, 2023 • 38min
Big news for NZ Space sector, Google Bard vs ChatGPT, NZ 5G to improve
Paul Spain is joined by Stephen Phillips (Snyk) as they cover a wide range of topics including NZ governments allocation of 3.5GHz spectrum for faster 5G rollout. Space news from Zenno Astronautics and Dawn Aerospace partners with lynk and 2degrees for satellite-to-mobile trials. The latest from Google I/O including Pixel Fold and Bard, $148m giant data centre for Auckland CBD, and how Snyk is helping developers create more secure and safer software.

May 9, 2023 • 60min
Southern SaaS 2023 Highlights with Bruce Jarvis, Bernard Hickey and Graham Grant
On this special episode we bring you some highlights from the Southern SaaS event held on March 30th 2023. Paul Spain sits down with Bruce Jarvis - Head of Kiwi SaaS, Bernard Hickey - Commentator and Podcaster, and Graham Grant - CEO of Seequent, as they share their insights on the great opportunities for New Zealand's SaaS sector.To find out more go to central.kiwisaas.com

May 2, 2023 • 54min
Samsung earnings plunge, Starlink at Scott Base + Wireless EV charging in 2024?
On this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss a range of topics related to technology and cybersecurity including the impact of ransomware payments, Samsungs quarterly earnings report, Starlink installed at Scott Base, wireless charging for electric vehicles, Tesla's FSD safety stats, ICON's Lunar 3D printing, video calling parrots and more.

Apr 25, 2023 • 45min
Skills shortage slows fibre installs, Satellite outage stops tractors, Amnesty for ChatGPT cheats
Paul Spain is joined by journalist Bill Bennett to discuss the latest technology news from around the world including:Satellite outage impacting farmersFibre install delays due to skills shortageAmnesty for ChatGPT cheatsSpaceX Starship rocket launch and explosionIndia illegal tech tariffsMusk plans on less bias AI"Plan Anzac" military intel and tech cooperationMerlin To Trial Autonomous Flights in Alaska

Apr 18, 2023 • 50min
Tackling Diversity and Cyber Security Skills Gaps - with Microsoft and TupuToa
Paul Spain is joined by Vanessa Sorenson (Microsoft NZ) and Maruata Reweti (TupuToa) to discuss their collaboration on a new cybersecurity skills programme aimed at addressing the skills shortage in New Zealand, plus tech news from the week including:Government’s $1.3m digital literacy training programme for seniorsMicrosoft secures land to expand Datacenters in New ZealandMicrosoft and Amazon sign memorandums of understanding with government Drone Delivery SkyDrop Wins Approval in New Zealand Arkansas bans minors from social media without parental consent Montana politicians ban TikTok over security concerns with China