Show Notes
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
More from NZ Tech Podcast
Paul Spain is joined by Jonathan Brabant, New Zealand Director at Workday, to explore the rapid rise of AI agents and what they could mean for the future of work, including agentic AI, headless enterprise software, MCP integrations, and how platforms like Claude, Copilot and Workday are increasingly working together. They also discuss where organisations are drawing the line between automation and human decision-making. They also discuss the latest tech news including: NZ Expands Drone Surveillance Capabilities Gisborne council wins award for AI mapping project Last calls for New Zealand’s public phone booths Websites fighting back against AI agents Telsa’s Rocket-propelled flying car
New Zealand's aerospace sector is gaining momentum, and the recent Aerospace Summit in Christchurch brought together the people helping drive that growth. In this first of two episodes series, Paul Spain sits down with founders, investors and industry leaders, to explore the innovation emerging from New Zealand's aerospace ecosystem. From advanced aviation technologies and aerospace engineering to commercial opportunities, investment, and global ambitions, these conversations offer a unique look inside one of the country's most exciting industries. Here from: Stefan Powell - CEO of Dawn Aerospace Martin Cudd - General Manager Innovation and Business Growth at ChristchurchNZ Adam Wade - Founder of Abstract Space William Hunter - Co-founder and CTO of Astrix Astronautics Angus Blair - Managing Partner at Outset Ventures
Host Paul Spain and Craig Young (TUANZ) to discuss TUANZ’s role as an independent voice for technology users, including its priorities for responsible AI, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and long-term technology planning. They also explore how AI-powered scams are getting faster, sharper, and harder to spot, and unpack sophisticated phishing and cloned voiced scams. Plus the latest tech news including: Cyber Smart Week Aerospace 2026 Summit 'Ghost job' concerns Bunnings new Buddy AI assistant Italy's top bank gets AI voice scammed Subsea cable internet disruption Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence’ rebrand
On this episode, Paul Spain talks with Sacha Judd, co-founder and COO of Lume Music, to explore her journey from corporate lawyer and startup investor to launching a new digital music platform designed to help artists connect more deeply with fans. They discuss New Zealand's startup ecosystem, lessons from working with more than 100 startups, the challenges of building a tech company, internet culture and fandom, and why Sacha believes human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world. Plus, a look at how Lume Music aims to reshape the relationship between artists, albums and listeners. Lume — Own the Albums You Love, Beyond Streaming Thanks to our partners: One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, PwC New Zealand, SAP and Gorilla Technology.
Drummond Reed, a global leader in digital identity, privacy, and online trust joins host Paul Spain, as they unpack how self-sovereign identity gives individuals control over digital credentials, why privacy concerns remain central to government-led identity systems, and what approaches in Bhutan, India, Utah, and the European Union reveal about the future of digital identity. Drummond Reed also explores decentralised trust graphs, verifiable credentials, AI agents and the risks of increasingly sophisticated scams and surveillance. The conversation looks ahead to a world where individuals control more of their data, digital agents act on their behalf, and trusted relationships can be verified without relying on a single identifier everywhere online. A big thank you to our show partners: One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, Workday, 2degrees, SAP, and Gorilla Technology.