NZ Tech Podcast

Paul Spain

  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Boosting Tech Startups and Productivity with NZGCP

    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 landscape are driving economic growth and innovation. From unicorn success stories like Rocket Lab to the challenges of early investment and KiwiSaver’s role, this episode is packed with insights for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike.

    Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

    3 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 54 minutes 57 seconds
    Inside Education Perfect with CO-Founder Shane Smith

    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 personalised feedback and learning experiences, and thoughtful insights on balancing technology with integrity and data privacy in education.

    Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

    24 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 56 seconds
    Celebrating NZ Innovation: Hi-Tech Awards, AI, and Tech Leadership

    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 launch limit increased
    2. Chris Liddell joins Anthropic
    3. Parking fine Tech mishaps
    4. Russian Soldiers tricked by fake Starlink registrations
    5. Ring doorbell Superbowl ad sparks privacy backlash
    6. Blue Origin unveils TeraWave Satellite Internet Service

    A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

    17 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 33 minutes
    OpenClaw: Next step in AI evolution or Overhyped?

    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 its game-changing potential, security challenges, and what the future might hold. Plus, essential advice for those eager to experiment. Don’t miss this timely, thought-provoking discussion!

    Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

    10 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 56 minutes 6 seconds
    Space, Robots and AI with 2degrees' Stephen Kurzeja

    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, and much more.

    Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

    3 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 46 minutes 23 seconds
    Inside SYOS Aerospace: Rapid Development, Engineering Culture, and Global Impact

    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 companies.

    Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

    27 January 2026, 6:00 am
  • 53 minutes 26 seconds
    Hornet Trackers, Siri upgrades + Grok's deepfake fiasco

    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 balance, and why coming back to hands-on management has been both energizing and inspiring.

    A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

    20 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 18 seconds
    Avoiding a ManageMyHealth repeat + CES26 Review

    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 bid, Nvidia’s Alpamayo autonomous driving platform and CES 2026 “Worst in Show”. Plus Kindle Colorsoft review and more.

    Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

    13 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 54 minutes 6 seconds
    Robots That Work: Lachlan Murray Talks Tech, Innovation, and NZ’s Unique Needs

    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 are reshaping homes and businesses across Aotearoa. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and curious homeowners alike!

    Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

    6 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley, and Building Count: Insights from Chris Smith

    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 industry giants. They also explore lessons learned from Silicon Valley, AI-driven development, and the future of New Zealand’s tech ecosystem.

    A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

    30 December 2025, 8:00 am
  • 50 minutes 45 seconds
    2025 in Review: Autonomy, Cybersecurity, AI and Startups - with Ben O'Brien

    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!

    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

    Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

    23 December 2025, 10:30 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App