NZ Tech Podcast

Paul Spain

5.0 (1)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

1D AGO

AI Backlash, Mevo’s Collapse, Rural Connectivity, and Device Upgrades

Join Host Paul Spain and Bill Bennett, tech and telecommunications journalist, for a wide-ranging discussion on the latest tech news from New Zealand and beyond, including: Car-sharing startup Mevo goes into liquidationRural connectivity funding reportMobile Network Outages and ResiliencyHydrogen-fuelled vehicles in New ZealandChrome’s Silent AI DownloadAI backlash at US university graduationsApple’s privacy moves to auto-delete Siri/AI conversationsIntel Core Ultra Series 3 A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

56 min
MAY 12

Mike Casey: Electric Tech Enabled World First Farm

Paul Spain visits Mike Casey at Electric Cherries in Central Otago for an inspiring dive into tech-driven sustainable farming. Discover how Mike went from tech startup success in Sydney to building New Zealand’s first fully electric cherry orchard, where self-generated solar power slashes costs and future-proofs the business. Explore practical insights on electrification, energy economics, and why making smarter tech choices at every level can transform New Zealand’s prosperity and sustainability. Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.

55 min
MAY 5

Exploring Paysquad, AWS data centre build abandoned, China EV risks

Host Paul Spain is joined by Cam Richardson, founder of Paysquad, to dive into the latest in tech news and innovation. They discuss Amazon scrapping its West Auckland data centre plans, the expansion of AI-powered infrastructure in Invercargill, EV charging with ChargeNet, movie deal for a Kiwi-led Roblox game, Apple’s Vision Pro headset future and data security concerns around Chinese EVs. Plus, they break down new rules at the Oscars regarding AI-generated content and Taylor Swift’s play for control in the AI era. Cam also shares the origin, mission, and future vision of Paysquad, a Kiwi fintech making group payments possible at checkout. Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

47 min
APR 28

Leveraging Agentic AI: Key Strategies with Workday’s Shan Moorthy

Listen in as Paul Spain sits down with Shan Moorthy, Chief Technology Officer for APAC at Workday, for an in-depth conversation on the rapid evolution of AI in the workplace. They explore the latest trends around generative and agentic AI, discuss real-world successes and setbacks from AI adoption, and dig into strategies for organisations looking to leverage AI safely, efficiently, and at scale. This episode offers valuable insights on navigating the complexities of AI integration, covering everything from proof-of-concept pitfalls, governance and compliance to the future of hybrid human-agent workforces. A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

1h 8m
APR 21

Allbirds AI Pivot, Rocket Lab Innovation + BlinkPay’s Banking Future

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 infrastructureRocket Lab’s new electric thruster technologyHidden Bluetooth tracker compromises Dutch warshipGoPro’s fresh camera directionAST Space Mobile satellite mishaps and connectivity possibilities Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.

1h 13m
APR 14

Satellites, Space, and Spark: Reshaping Global Connectivity

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 role of AI in business transformation and cybersecurity and what’s next for Spark. Thanks to our Partners Spark New Zealand, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

48 min
APR 7

Artemis 2 Mission, Starlink Competition, and Apple at 50

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 $1Spark launches Starlink satellite‑to‑mobile servicesNZ Government funding shifts toward emerging TechAutonomous vehicle challenges and failuresApple’s 50 years of innovationArtemis 2 lunar FlybySpaceX IPO speculationAnthropic / Claude source code leak A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology.

49 min
MAR 31

Halter’s Billion Dollar Rise, 3G Farewell, and Xero’s Next-Gen AI

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 financial intelligence, as well as Xero’s ongoing impact on productivity and innovation across New Zealand. Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.

56 min

See All (203)

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.