Startups

Max Olson, founder of Pretty Fast and the entrepreneur behind Halter and Vessev, joins Paul Spain to talk about electric hydrofoil ferries, AI-powered manufacturing, and how AI let him build software, workflows and a business without hiring a software team.

In part two of the Aerospace Summit series from Christchurch, Paul Spain talks with Kea Aerospace, Outlier Space, Beyond Earth Ventures and EagleFlight Technics about high-altitude solar aircraft, space manufacturing, re-entry technology and deep-tech investment.

In the first of a two-part series from the Aerospace Summit in Christchurch, Paul Spain talks with founders, investors and industry leaders from Dawn Aerospace, ChristchurchNZ, Abstract Space, Astrix Astronautics and Outset Ventures about New Zealand’s fast-growing aerospace sector.

Sacha Judd, co-founder and COO of Lume Music, joins Paul Spain to talk about her journey from corporate lawyer and startup investor to founder, New Zealand's startup ecosystem, fandom and internet culture, and why human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world.

Paul Spain talks with Concord Visa CEO Kevin Park about global mobility for startups, plus hands-on reviews of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Motorola Signature, Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, Vestaboard Note and GoPro Mission One Pro.

Join Paul Spain as he chats with Matt Taylor, Kiwi founder of Trepo, an AI-powered startup revolutionising the kitchen.

Paul Spain sits down with Rory Birkbeck, co-founder of Safe Surfer, to explore the urgent challenges of keeping young people safe online.

Hear from Paul Spain and Nyssa Waters, founder and CEO of Possibl.ai and rcrt, as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, touching on privacy, ethics, and data sovereignty.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Josh Robb, Co-Founder and COO of Tend Health, for an in-depth look at how Tend Health is transforming primary healthcare in New Zealand through digital innovation,…

Join host Paul Spain and Neeharika Chowdhary, General Manager of AI and Data Products at One New Zealand.

In this episode, host Paul Spain chats with Alain Richardt, founder of Atomic Tessellator. Learn about Alain’s unconventional journey from global tech consultancy to bootstrapping world-class…

Host Paul Spain sits down with Jonathan Good, Co-Founder and CEO of Scentian Bio, to dive into the “digitisation of smell and taste “and what it means for industries in New Zealand and beyond.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Sam Allen and Nick Walton, co-founders of NZ Boat Register, to explore how Kiwi innovation is improving marine visiabilty and asset tracking using AquaGPS, a Starlink-enabled GPS solution.

The 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards highlight a sector reaching new heights in innovation, global growth, and impact, celebrating the organisations and individuals driving New Zealand’s tech success story.

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…

Host Paul Spain visits Mike Casey at Electric Cherries in Central Otago for an inspiring dive into tech-driven sustainable farming.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Cam Richardson, founder of Paysquad, as Cam shares the origin, mission, and future vision of Paysquad, a Kiwi fintech making group payments possible at checkout.

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.

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…

Listen in as host Paul Spain sits down with Joe Goddard (One NZ) as they explore One NZ’s satellite-to-mobile networks, introduction of One Wallet and Phone Dollars and what’s next for One NZ.

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.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, the co-founder of Education Perfect, for a fascinating dive into the world of edtech innovation.

Join Paul Spain as he welcomes Marian Johnson for a lively discussion about New Zealand’s tech innovation scene.

Dive into the world of OpenClaw as Paul Spain is joined by industry leaders Seeby Woodhouse (Voyager Internet) and Nigel Parker (Vivara).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown talks with Paul Spain about the future of technology in Auckland and New Zealand. The mayor shares his vision for making Auckland a leading tech hub and how he believes the city can better contribute to New Zealand’s economy.

Hear from host Paul Spain as he sits down with Philippa Cogswell (Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42), to unpack the fast-moving world of cybersecurity.

Hear from host Paul Spain and Alyona Medelyan (Thematic) as they discuss highlights from Auckland Startup Week, and review tech news from the week including, NZ’s undersea drone push to protect vital…

Join Paul Spain as he chats with Scott Spooner (SPS Automation). Discover the fascinating world of bespoke robotics, from AI-powered agricultural drones combating wilding pines to spectacular drone light shows.

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.

Join host Paul Spain as he chats with Luke Campbell, co-founder and CEO of VXT. Luke shares his journey of founding VXT while still a student at the University of Canterbury.

Join host Paul Spain and Eoghan Neligan, co-founder of Gravity. Eoghan discusses Gravity’s role as an applied innovation company, working with big business, impact ventures, and startups.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Zarina Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Neocrete, a pioneering deep tech startup based in New Zealand that’s reshaping the global concrete industry.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to explore the world of Kiwi tech startups and venture capital.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Rowan Simpson, Chairman of the Hoku Group and author of “How to Be Wrong.” Discover the intriguing journey of Trade Me, Xero, Vend, and Timely as Rowan shares insights…

Host Paul Spain sits down with venture capitalist Lance Wiggs (Punakaiki Fund, Climate VC Fund), as they delve into the evolving landscape of venture capital in New Zealand and its critical role in nurturing Kiwi tech startups.

In this episode, host Paul Spain chats with guest Steven Zinsli to discuss a range of pressing topics at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data privacy.

Listen in as Stephen Phillips (Snyk) joins host Paul Spain to discuss security vulnerabilities in VPNs, firewalls, and AI-generated code and the importance of backup strategies.

Alex St. John brought the Silicon Valley startup mindset to the small town of Cambridge, New Zealand.

On this special episode Paul Spain chats with the brilliant minds behind some exciting startups that featured at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit and the Christchurch Innovation Expo.

In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Harry Flett (Tracksuit) to discuss Microsoft’s recent clearance to acquire Activision, One NZ’s violation of the Fair Trading Act resulting in a $3.675 million fine, Supermarket chatbot’s deadly recipes.

On this special NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners episode host Paul Spain is joined by Bex Rempel, co-founder and CEO of ZeroJet – winner of this year’s Punakaiki Fund Hi-Tech Startup Company of the year award.

Paul Spain is joined by Dave Rouse (CEO, CarbonClick) – discussing learnings in the tech and startup worlds and how CarbonClick is helping people and businesses to take action in reducing carbon emissions.

Paul Spain is joined by Josh Robb – Co-Founder and CPTO of Tend, to discuss disruptive healthcare services – along with the highs and lows of startup life.

Paul Spain is joined by Justin Soong, Founder of Authsignal, to discuss how NZ startup Authsignal are helping developers, plus: NZ rural broadband Vodafone TV switch-off pushed back, as Sky box delay…

Paul Spain is joined by Parkable co-founders Toby Littin and Brody Nelson to hear about Parkable’s startup journey and recent success with Meta, as well as tech news from the week, including: NZ…

Paul Spain and Bill Bennett delve into the very latest in tech from around the world – including an NZ startup that’s clearing fog, fruit packing robots, Tesla’s Berlin factory flythrough,…

Listen in on a discussion between Paul Spain and special guest Hadleigh Ford – founder and CEO of NZ Tech Startup SwipedOn; who were reported as having been acquired by UK based Smartspace Software for $11 million.

Paul Spain sits down with Stefan Powell of Dawn Aerospace to learn a little of what it takes to establish a new space startup in New Zealand. Stefan delves into a wide range of topics including the Aurora Spaceplane.

In this episode Paul Spain is joined by three outstanding leaders – Sarah Webb: COO at LawVu, Amelia Gain: CEO & Co-Founder at Preno and Alliv Samson: Co-Founder at Kami.

Paul Spain talks with Neil Cresswell – co-founder and CEO at tech startup who have just raised US$6m in a Series A funding round.

Josh Faraimo of Kwotimation shares the story behind his early stage startup Kwotimation which recent raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round lead by Hillfarrance Capital.

In this episode we delve into the world of startups – learning what makes Kiwi startups so special, along with tips from the field about raising venture capital and how our approach to collaboration should change.

This episode brothers Mike Carden and Philip Carden share insights from their fast moving startup Joyous – and their past endeavours including Mike’s success with building and selling Sonar6 and…

Paul Spain talks with James Coddington of Joy Business Academy (international education disruptor) about revenue falling off a cliff with the onset of COVID and how his tech startup has recovered and now thrives in a global market.

LevelTwo say they are New Zealand’s only commercial laboratory and workshop facility growing deep technology startups. Today we discuss LevelTwo past, present and future – and how we should be planning NZ’s future with Chief Executive, Imche Fourie.

Samsung / C-Lab artificial window could light up rooms of the future, Ransomware’s 1000% hike as average ransoms rise past NZ$180k, 17 NZ cell sites vandalised, Dyson’s $300k car, Gartner says $500B drop in IT spend, NZ’s Eight360 Virtual Reality startup.

This week on NZ Tech Podcast Paul Spain and Hengjie Wang (CEO, Kami) discuss the tech news of the week – including SpaceX tourist rides to space, jetpack altitude record, Coronavirus expected to have…

Tim Warren (Chief Operating Officer, Ambit) join’s Paul Spain to discuss – COVID-19 vs tech, The first AI police officer, Uber Grocery expected to launch in NZ, Google accidentally shares private…

Trump deal helps Huawei, Sir Jony Ive departing Apple, Apple acquires self-driving car startup, Oppo Reno 10x, Dyson V11, what is Duratek Plus, Lenovo ThinkPad T490, Plexure update, 2degrees and Spark change of leadership.

Greg Shanahan discusses TIN100 and NZ Tech startups, Vodafone NZ sells for $3.4B to Infratil and Canadian investor, Jeff Bezos wants colonies in space, Lime going rural, Spectre x360 and Uber lists on NZX and share price promptly drops.

30 Day Startup book, Ransomware vs The Weather Channel, Amazon and Google make up, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Tesla unveils autopilot chip, 2degrees group semi-unlimited group plan, Vodafone killing email forwarding, $100m Simplicity/Ice Angels/K1W1 Kiwisaver partnership.

Meet Kiwi the founder of Kwikli e-moped sharing startup. Plus Sky’s new CEO, US vs Huawei, is iPhone X coming back, Ola NZ speed wobbles, misfortune with China big brother tech, Oppo R17 Pro update, should Google/Uber/Apple share data with rivals?

This week, Direct from Shenzhen in China – journalists Tristram Clayton (NZ Herald) and Scott Bartley (NBR contributor) join host Paul Spain to discuss Huawei.

This week we discuss from E3 in Los Angeles, NZs Ultra-Fast Broadband rollout progress, highlights Magpie GPS tracker, ETurbo kids smartwatch from Elanation, Kin2Kin startup shares monetisation plans, Fuji Xero NZ financial dramas.

On this episode – Elon Musk dreams up cars able to travel 200km/h on underground electric skates (The Boring Company), NZ Tech/Transport startup TNX, personal vertical take-off and landing aircraft,…

This week – Amazon Go, NZ startup Goodnest, Media Design School, John Key, Network 4 Learning, Uber Eats NZ, Netflix offline hands on, Android Pay, Slingshot gets into power and gas, Mediaworks Rova, Pebble joining Fitbit, Amazon Australia.

NZ’s first 3D printed jaw, Fairfax launching Stuff Fibre, update on Vocus Internet services, Google vs passwords, Apple drops $200m on Artificial Intelligence startup, Amazon gets it’s first plane, $60m Bitcoin hack, and where are our new Macs?

YouTube pranksters get jailed, Apple’s $1B Chinese ride sharing investment, Oracle vs Google, Govt’s $15m tech startup investment, Mamaroo baby tech, European Union could take Google for €3B, Hyperloop trial, driverless car congestion.

This week – Vodafone Xone tech startup accelerator, another fibre cable to link NZ with the US, the Martin Jetpack demo in China, Skinny’s low cost 4G home broadband, Uber lighting, Vtech hack, Lumix Post Focus, Hoverboards and Apple’s Smart Battery Case.

We’re hands on the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus and discuss Vertu’s new $15000 phone, Office 2016, International Podcast Day, Kiwi Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup Xtracta, Vocus/M2 merger, and we ponder if a pilot saw a drone 1.8km up.

This week we share a tech oriented episode of the NZ Business Podcast with our NZ Tech Podcast listeners. Paul Spain spoke with the founders of a number of exciting tech start-ups .

For this episode Paul Spain (@paulspain) is joined by Nick MacAvoy (@chifeatures) and Bill Bennett (@billbennettnz) to discuss Southern Cross Internet price cuts, a UK startup launched by Kiwis…

To kick of the NZ Tech Podcast for 2013 Paul Spain reports from International CES (formally known as the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

Highlights this week on the NZ Tech Podcast include discussion of the EPIC tech startup hub in Christchurch, Fatso update with founder Rob Berman, mannequins with electronic eyes, touchscreen…

This episode we discuss Scammers being caught, Instagram’s $1B sale, Mac Malware, NZ startup Unified Inbox, Quickflix, Drones in the sky, layoffs at Yahoo and Sony, and we talk with Pacific Fibre CEO Mark Rushworth about their big announcements this week.

This special edition of the NZ Tech Podcast features interviews from Webstock 2012. Paul Spain spoke with guests Raffi Krikorian (Twitter), Scott Hanselman (Microsoft) and Derek Handley (The Hyperfactory).

In Episode 50, Paul Spain discussed the highlights so far of the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 (CES) in Las Vegas with Bradley Borrows and Skip Parker. This episode brings more discussion and opinion following the interview laden episode 49.

This week Paul Spain is in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 (CES). In this first podcast covering the event (there will be a number during the week) we look at some of the more unusual…