NZTech Update – FinTechNZ, NZTech Women and Techweek 17!

Hi Readers

Recently, I attended the launch of the Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator. In his opening address, Minister Joyce highlighted the tech sector’s rapid growth and how digital disruption is making a large contribution to our strengthening economy. The Wellington based Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator, will initially fund and support 10 start-ups to build, launch and expand products in global markets. As Minister Joyce acknowledged, high growth start-ups are key contributors to the Governments goals for growing R&D, exports and making the most of the digital economy. One of my favourite quotes from the night was from Anna Guenther, CEO and founder of PledgeMe, “it should be less about the technology and more about the people, enhancing the community and be seamless. You shouldn’t see technology, it’s just what you do.”

If you or your colleagues would like to become more involved with NZTech Women, please reach out to me and I can connect you with our programmes and projects. NZTech Women is a focused tech sector community. We are always looking for more women to join the ecosystem; sharing, networking and bringing talent to our various working groups. I am extremely passionate to grow NZTech Women and I know many of our members also have a strong interest in making this happen.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your support during my first month at NZTech.  While I have already met a number you, I still have many more members to meet. I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming months.

Andrea Hancox
National Director Member and Government Relations
NZTech

GOVERNMENT & TECH SUMMIT

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

SINGULARITYUNZ THIS WEEK!

CONNECT

Want to know more about crowd funding? Come along to the panel discussion,
Crowd Funding – Influencing Innovation in New Zealand. 15 November in Auckland.

Join Canterbury Tech on 6 December in Christchurch for their famed Christmas Quiz Night. A great opportunity to socialise with industry friends.

R9Acclerator kicks off this week. Coming up in Auckland, the NZBio 2016 Spring Reception on 22 November. Also, join SIBA for Talk Geospatial Auckland on 30 November.

PROMOTE

Proudly presented by NZTech, event submissions are now being accepted for Techweek ’17. We are excited to showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s vibrant technology, innovation and design industries.

We cannot wait to hear your ideas for TechWeek ’17. What kind of events? How do I apply? What’s in it for me? Check out our FAQ’s and event tips and submit your event for consideration.

Consider hosting an event during TechWeek ’17 to celebrate local technology and innovation on a global scale. Submit your event today by completing our short expression of interest questionnaire before 28 November.

ADVANCE

Time to shake up government procurement. Frances Valintine of Tech Futures Lab is confirmed as a keynote at the NZTech Advance Government and Technology Summit 28 February 2017 in Wellington.

Last week, NZTech Chair Mitchell Pham announced the launch of FinTechNZ – an initiative to bring together the FinTech community in New Zealand. Read Mitchell’s update here.

The New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards will be presented on Wednesday in Wellington. Don’t forget, the Government ICT Marketplace briefing in Christchurch on 17 November.

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