NZ Tech Podcast

Paul Spain

5.0 (4)
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.

5D AGO

Emerge Fintech Innovation + Google’s Honomoana, How Exposed Am I?

Join host Paul Spain and Jovan Pavlicevic (Emerge & Square One) as they discuss the latest tech news including Google’s Honomoana cable and its economic promise, IT Professionals NZ closure, Discord’s leaked ID photos, NZ’s new “How Exposed Am I?” tool. Carparking surveillance, Brewers revert to pen-and-paper due to hackers and China-US rare earth export saga. Plus, Jovan shares how Emerge & SquareOne’s innovative fintech solutions are transforming youth banking, SME financial management, and financial inclusion for Kiwis. Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

1h 6m
OCT 7

Revolutionising Access to Space: Stefan Powell on Dawn Aerospace’s Unique Approach

Host Paul Spain reconnects with Stefan Powell, co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace, to discuss the rapid evolution of New Zealand’s space sector. Stefan shares the highs and lows of steering an aerospace startup through rapid growth, the realities of innovating in both aircraft and space tech, and what it’s taken to build customer trust in a high-stakes industry. Explore Dawn Aerospace’s advances in reusable space planes and green in-space propulsion, the company’s international growth, and how their technology is powering global space missions and research. A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

42 min
SEP 30

Tesla FSD Supervised Launch in NZ, Inflight Wi-Fi, Next-gen PCs + more

Hear from host Paul Spain and Mike Jones, General Manager at Earthcare Environmental. Mike shares his first-hand experiences with Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised technology, diving into what sets FSD apart from other automation systems, how it’s performing on local streets, and what the future looks like for autonomous driving. Plus, tech news from the week including, Facial recognition in retail, Age restrictions on social media, young inventors LCD glasses for epilepsy and light sensitivity. Advancements in on-device AI, plus comparing inflight satellite Wi-Fi and more. Discover what’s driving New Zealand’s technology landscape forward. Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

1h 4m
SEP 23

Lessons from Kodak: Inventor Steve Sasson Reflects on Innovation, Corporate Culture, and Disruption

In this special episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Steve Sasson, the American electrical engineer who quite literally changed how the world captures moments—he invented the first self-contained (portable) digital camera at Kodak back in the mid-1970s. Recorded at Steve’s home in Rochester, New York, Steve shares not only the technical hurdles and creative thinking that made digital imaging possible, but also gives us a look into Kodak’s company culture—how innovation collided with tradition, and why big organisations sometimes struggle to reinvent themselves in times of massive technological change. Sasson’s stories offer timeless insights for innovators navigating disruptive technology and shifting business models in today’s fast-paced world. Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

1h 50m
SEP 16

Apples Latest, Tech and Cyber Wins and Fails - with Igor Portugal

Host Paul Spain is joined by Igor Portugal (Tech Entrepreneur), as they explore the latest tech news in New Zealand and beyond. They discuss the Electric Avenue ticketing debacle, Starboard Maritime's expansion plans, NZ’s Realtime phone outage service, China's surveillance network, the future of Starlink, and Apple's latest product revelations, including the progressive phasing out of SIM cards. Plus, get insights into BlackLock Security's innovative use of AI for threat detection and their Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS). A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

50 min
SEP 9

Exploring NZ Tech Growth, Darknet Intelligence, and Cybersecurity with Julian Wendt

Hear from host Paul Spain and Julian Wendt (nWebbed) as they unpack the latest NZ Tech report, revealing the impressive growth of the tech export sector, the launch of Pātea, a new app to address gambling harm, and skepticism over massive tech investment figures from global tech giants. Other news included Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite internet progress, Philips Hue expanding into motion detection and doorbells, Google’s softer-than-expected antitrust ruling, Turmp’s ‘Tech dinner” and a widespread breach impacting major SaaS tools like Salesloft and Drift. Julian delves into nWebbed’s darknet monitoring platform, discussing the challenges and ethics of gathering intelligence from the darkest corners of the internet. The episode wraps up with insights on best practices for digital security and a call for all New Zealanders to stay vigilant. Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.

1h 3m
SEP 2

AWS NZ region opens, Operational Tech Security, Microsoft AI model + more

Join host Paul Spain and Joshua Alcock (Fortinet) as they explore the cybersecurity threats facing Operational Technology (OT) environments and the latest insights from Fortinet’s 2025 Industrial Cybersecurity Report. They also delve into some of the latest tech news, including the launch of AWS data centers in New Zealand, Fieldays’ NZ-Brazil AgriTech opportunities, Microsoft's Internal AI developments, Masterdon's Age verification challenges. Plus, Workdays research into AI Agent adoption in the workplace. Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, HP, Spark and Gorilla Technology

44 min
AUG 26

Tech on the Move: Carpoolin, AI, and Cybersecurity threats

Host Paul Spain chats with Saveun Man, founder of Carpoolin, as they discuss the latest tech news, from emergency service capabilities that allow authorities to pinpoint your location, to the growing debate over privacy, data security, and the use of AI in public policy and elections. Paul and Saveun explore device tracking for road user charges, AI in local elections, the government’s fresh warnings about cybersecurity risks, anti-drone tech, and the ethical dilemmas of facial recognition and digital identity. Plus, Saveun shares about gaming and design at Grinding Gear Games and launching Carpoolin—an app aiming to reduce NZ’s traffic and build stronger communities through shared rides. Join us for another thought-provoking ride on the NZ Tech Podcast! A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

55 min

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5

out of 5

4 Ratings

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.