NZ Tech Podcast

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 infrastructure
Rocket Lab’s new electric thruster technology
Hidden Bluetooth tracker compromises Dutch warship
GoPro’s fresh camera direction
AST 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.

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

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 $1
Spark launches Starlink satellite‑to‑mobile services
NZ Government funding shifts toward emerging Tech
Autonomous vehicle challenges and failures
Apple’s 50 years of innovation
Artemis 2 lunar Flyby
SpaceX IPO speculation
Anthropic / Claude source code leak

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

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.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Jamie Beaton, co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education. Jamie shares updates on Crimson’s impressive growth over the past five years, from expanding their core mission of getting students into the world’s top universities, to launching new ventures like the fully accredited Crimson Global Academy and New Zealand’s innovative Aotearoa Infinite Academy charter school. The conversation digs into the role of AI and technology in modern education, how Crimson leverages AI to enhance student learning, streamline visa applications, and empower teachers. You’ll also hear about Crimson’s recent acquisitions, the evolution of their own tech stack, and practical strategies for students to manage digital distractions.
Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology