NZ Tech Podcast

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 Allbirds into AI infrastructure
• Roc...

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 impacts of shutting down 3G, the r...

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 funding shifts toward emerging Tech
• Auto...

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, aiming to deliver real-time finan...

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 conversation digs into the role of...

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:

1. InternetNZ’s latest findings on Kiwis’ online habits and AI caution

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:

1. NZ’s new Online Scams Code
2. 2degre...

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, and a thriving venture capital lands...

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, the role of AI in shaping personalis...

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:

1. NZ’s annual space launc...

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 the tech world by storm. Hear about i...

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, wearables ban at the Australian Open,...

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 with the world’s biggest aerospace comp...

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 reflections on leadership, work-life b...

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, Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 comeback bi...

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 AI trends, and how smart devices ar...

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, global team, and competitive edge against ...

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!

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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 ...