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.
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2025 in Review: Autonomy, Cybersecurity, AI and Startups - with Ben O'Brien
<p>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 and entrepreneurs!</p><p>We'd love to get your feedback, please fill in our short survey and go into the draw for some great tech giveaways. Audience Survey - December 2025 - NZ Tech Podcast</p><p>Than...
NZ's top tech companies - with TIN200's Greg Shanahan
<p>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 timelines, and Australia’s under‑16 social media ban. Plus, NZ Tech Podcast survey giveaways and a quick guide to top Christmas tech gifts including the reMarkable Paper Pro Move, WiZ Floor Light and Philip's Hue Play wall...
Kiwi Apps Win Big, Open Banking Arrives, and India’s Digital Mandate
<p>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’s PencilVac, AirPods Pro 3 and more.</p><p>A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.</p>
From Sim to Track: James Corban on Racing, Technology, and Performance
<p>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—of entering international motorsport, with insider insights on how elite drivers use data and simulators to enhance their performance, the importance of fitness in racing, and the evolving safety technology—like the F1 halo. Paul and James...
Inside Facebook Marketplace with Bowen Pan
<p>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 global experience fuelling local innovation, and advice to spark your own bold moves in technology!</p><p>Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.</p>
Auckland vs The World: Mayor Wayne Brown on Auckland’s Technology Future
<p>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.</p><p>From his experience leading business delegations to China and India, to his hands-on approach supporting the Auckland Tech Alliance and pushing for digital innovation within local government, Wayne Brown offers his viewpoints on city-to-city connections, global tech opportunities, and the sometimes-bumpy road of digital transformation and adoption.</p><p>We explore practical challenges ar...
Reimagining HR and Finance: Workday’s Vision for Kiwi Enterprises
<p>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.</p><p>Plus, we unpack the latest tech news including Microsoft’s AI pricing apology and refunds in NZ and Australia, Meta’s revenue from fraudulent ads, Lensare's award winning glasses, $35k teleoperated home robot from 1X, and the UK’s Capture IT compensation scheme and more.</p><p>Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workda...
Latest Findings from Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 - AI, Threats and Protection Strategies
<p>Hear from host Paul Spain as he sits down with Philippa Cogswell (Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42), to unpack the fast-moving world of cybersecurity. Philippa shares insights into global incident response, including the rise of business disruption tactics, multi-surface attacks and the growing challenges posed by supply chain vulnerabilities. The conversation highlights research findings, including the speed of attacks and the increasing use of AI in cybercrime, plus practical advice for both large enterprises and startups in navigating today’s cyber risks. This episode offers a unique window into the realities facing organisations in New Zealand and beyond, with actionable take...
Undersea Drones, Auckland Start up week, and Thematic’s Journey
<p>Hear from host Paul Spain and Alyona Medelyan (Thematic) as they discuss highlights from Auckland Startup Week, and review tech news from the week including, NZ’s undersea drone push to protect vital cables, Rural internet pressures amid Starlink’s rise, AWS DNS triggers widespread outages, major fraud stories span crypto empires and rigged poker. Plus, Alyona shares insights on leadership, startup culture lessons, and how Thematic helps businesses with customer feedback analytics.</p><p>A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.</p>
SPS Automation with Scott Spooner: Drone Innovation and Autonomous Flight
<p>Join Paul Spain as he chats with Scott Spooner (SPS Automation). Discover the fascinating world of bespoke robotics, from AI-powered agricultural drones combating wilding pines to spectacular drone light shows. Scott shares SPS’s journey from garage startup to cutting-edge innovations, including hybrid-powered heavy-lift drones, swarm technology, and navigating New Zealand’s flexible regulatory landscape. If you’re passionate about tech, aviation, and the future of autonomous vehicles, then listen in!</p>
