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NZTech

NZTech Update – Trade Agenda 2030, FinTech, IoT and more

Hi Readers

On Friday, the Prime Minister announced increased focus on international trade and released the government’s Trade Agenda for the next 10 years. It was great to see the tech sector and digital exports highlighted as areas of focus to help improve New Zealand’s export diversification. Meanwhile, the Hon Todd McClay, has invited NZTech to join a Ministerial Advisory Group on Trade to help ensure the needs of the country’s largest exporters are being met.

The UK FinTech delegation arrived in Auckland on Friday and were introduced to some of our best local FinTech through a variety of events and meetings. Opportunities have been developed around UK market entry and partnerships for FinTechNZ firms.

Last week, I also attended the Auckland workshop on the development of the NZ tech story and it was very encouraging. To have so many dedicated tech exporters in one room, reinforces that we have a strong sense of community throughout the NZ tech ecosystem.

This week, I will be back in Wellington for further work with the DIA on tech talent and continuing to establish easier interactions between agencies and tech firms. On Wednesday evening the Wellington FinTechNZ community is gathering to hear from the CEO of Latipay on penetrating the Chinese market. We’ll also hear from Callaghan’s Johnathan Miller and Sam McGeorge from Vigilance, a partner of the government’s Stratus initiative.

This Friday, the IoT Alliance is being launched by Minister Bridges at the Grid in Auckland and an announcement should be made on the detailed research project that is underway on assessing the real potential of IoT for New Zealand.

Another exciting week ahead.
All the best,
Graeme

ATTEND & NETWORK

WHAT’S ON…

GALA DINNER DETAILS

CONNECT

Join Canterbury Tech on 4 April to hear Digital Transformation: The Naked Bus Story. Keen to be involved in September’s Canterbury Tech Summit? Please email Canterbury Tech.

NZSA’s next networking event is April 11 in Auckland. Hear first hand insights from the e-commerce digital frontier. CEO Leigh Flounders talk about conquering the world’s largest e-commerce market, China.

Celebrate Friday’s launch of the New Zealand IoT Alliance, accelerating a connected New Zealand. Registrations close tomorrow. Meanwhile, read about IoT research that is underway.

PROMOTE

Improve how your business innovates at workshops on leading innovation with US expert Phil McKinney in Auckland, 4 or 5 April. Also check out Callaghan’s Wearable Technology Challenge Launch on 3 April in Auckland.

NZBio’s 2017 New Zealand AgriTech Symposium is next week. View the full programme here and register for 6 April at Otago University. Also mark your diary for the NZBio Autumn Reception on May 10 in Auckland.

Keep updated on everything FinTechNZ or follow discussions on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to register for FinTechNZ‘s Connect events in Wellington 29 March, Christchurch 4 April and Auckland 18 April.

ADVANCE

Following Friday’s announcement by Prime Minister Bill English, NZTech is encouraged by the government’s Trade Agenda 2030. Read NZTech’s comment on sustaining prosperity through continued export growth.

Last week, NZTech backed the Government’s continued focus on cyber security. Read what NZTech CEO Graeme Muller had to say in response to the release of the first report on the implementation of New Zealand’s cyber security strategy and action plan.

The Leader’s Forum at last month’s NZTech Advance Government & Technology Summit reinforced that managing data and better data sharing needs to be a key priority in government. Read the recommendations from the Leader’s Forum in our GovTech briefing paper.

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