The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
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Tech sector continues to expand and accelerate growth across NZ economy
Ahead of our AGM, I am delighted to report another year of phenomenal growth of the New Zealand tech ecosystem and our engagement across the wider economy. NZTech continues to connect, promote and advance the entire ecosystem.
We continue to deliver even more events, delegations and summits. Our membership has expanded beyond traditional tech firms, highlighting the importance of tech throughout every aspect of the economy and society.
With InsurTechNZ emerging as part of FinTechNZ, and the establishment of TechLeaders, TechMarketers and AgriTech New Zealand, our alliance now represent 19 associations and over 800 organisations. Meanwhile, more industry associations are joining our growing Tech Alliance.
The New Zealand Government continues to increase its active involvement with the tech ecosystem, providing further connections and support across many interest areas, as we continue to aggregate and channel the voices and interests of our diverse community.
Earlier this year, NZTech hosted the Digital Nations 2030 summit, coinciding with visiting delegations from the world’s leading digital nations for the D5 meeting. International leaders joined tech leaders from government and industry to discuss creating a truly digital nation by 2030.
Recently, the AI Forum launched their research report, Artificial Intelligence: Shaping a Future New Zealand. The report identifies key AI opportunities for New Zealand to actively shape our future.
To promote tech, our flagship national festival Techweek has grown from 287 events last year to 540 events this year. In a world first, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden opened Techweek’18 as a hologram!
It remains crucial to promote tech widely, as very few girls choose a career in tech. Only three percent of 15 year old New Zealand girls consider a career in tech and women make up only 23 percent of those employed in IT. It is vital that we lead the way, and our annual mentoring programme ShadowTech from TechWomen continues to help inspire the next generation.
As a founding partner of the Digital Skills Forum, NZTech also played an active role in researching the skills shortage which resulted in the Digital Skills for a Digital Nation report and numerous recommendations.
Our growing number of international connections increases access to tech talent, investment capital, larger markets and the global tech innovation ecosystem. Examples include FinTechNZ’s participation in the ASEAN FinTech Network, InsurTechNZ’s establishment of the Global InsurTech Alliance, and Agritech New Zealand’s regular engagement with Silicon Valley.
Our passionate board continues to evolve and deliver beyond expectations. We have one of the most engaged and high performing board teams, providing both governance and leadership to connect, promote and advance the ecosystem. I strongly encourage you to consider a nomination.
Looking ahead, I know NZTech will continue to stimulate an environment where technology provides important social and economic benefits for New Zealand, and enable this country to be more relevant to and affect more impact on the rest of the world.
Whether or not you join the NZTech board, this is an exciting time to be even more involved with our extended community.
Mitchell Pham
Chair
NZTech
