NZ Tech Podcast

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 expan...

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 beyo...

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 H...

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 acce...

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 Tr...

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'...

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...

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 c...

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 insights on innovation, government policy, a...

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 in their $500 million portfolio, a...

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 incident response plans. They also high...

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 various models and their unique fea...

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 buys majority in Serato
• Quantifi Pho...

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 technology in healthcare. Plus, privacy issue...

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 complexities of AI.

Join us as we dis...

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 tracking drivers
• Webcam and IOT ...

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 the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 / S25 U...

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.
• AI breach in NZ court name suppress...

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 episode offers valuable lessons on understa...