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NZTech

NZTech Update – Let’s Help David Downs!

Kia Ora Readers,

It was encouraging to hear Clare Curran, Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Media, and Minister of Government Digital Services announce in her first ministerial speech at Nethui last week that the appointment of a Chief Technology Officer is one of her priorities, (Listen to her speech). NZTech is looking forward to supporting the new Minister, in any way, to help progress this.

Techweek preparations are going well. We need your help to spread the message to the world. Can I please encourage you to invite your international contacts to join the Innovation Tour during Techweek’18. Everything you need to know is here.

On a personal note, David Downs, who has worked tirelessly to help New Zealand tech firms grow and export in his role at NZTE, while also writing books on our country’s greatest innovations, needs our help. I’ve been following his regular writing on his battle with cancer and it’s inspirational. He is now confronted with yet another health hurdle. Let’s help David with his ongoing battle and likely need for expensive care, you can donate here.

Have a great week and don’t forget to RSVP for our Christmas drinks.

Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

Wellington 30 November

Auckland 6 December

Christchurch 7 December

CONNECT

Think global, talk local with Xero’s Alex Mercer at NZSA’s dinner on 14 November in Auckland. Canterbury Tech’s AGM is 5 December.

Join previous winners and judges at 2018 Hi-Tech Awards launch events in AucklandWellington and Christchurch. Entries open in December.

Join NZVRARA on 22 November in Wellington for VRAR in Architecture and Engineering. Hear from Archaus’ Gavin Urquhart on VR elements in their Wellington International Airport project.

PROMOTE

We want more women working in tech! ANZ, Cigna, Intergen, Transpower, Westpac and MBIE are currently recruiting in Wellington as part of the Return to IT pilot programme.

Calling all AgTech innovators passionate about transforming the future of food. Register for Feed the World 2030: Power of Plants Hackathon on 2 December in Christchurch.

Share your views on AI by participating in the AI Forum’s surveyAI in Health – Balancing the use of data with privacy is 17 November in Auckland. Register for #AIDAY2018 alerts.

ADVANCE

Last week, EdTechNZofficially launched in Auckland. Its aim is to drive creative use of technology inside and outside the classroom, facilitate a world class education system and showcase kiwi EdTech globally.

The TechLeaders Executivesays urgent attention is needed to investigate the impact of automation on the Kiwi workforce. Read their briefing paper on Industry, Education and the Workplace of Tomorrow.

Registrations are open for Digital Nations 2030EPIC applications for European travel funding close 15 November. Applications for K?kiri close 17 November. Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator applications close 1 December.

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NZTech We connect, promote and advance the New Zealand Technology ecosystem to help the tech sector and the economy grow.