NZTech Update – R&D tax credits and Te Reo

Last week, I caught up with Minister Woods about the R&D tax credits.   It looks like they have taken on board everyone’s feedback and things are progressing positively.  The Minister acknowledged the challenges of establishing a rules based system that included some ‘development’ and not just ‘research’ and how software development can be better included.  This and the challenge of pre-profit firms are being addressed and a formal announcement is expected soon.

I was hoping to be able to chat with Minister Woods about a few other things now she is also Minister for Government Digital Services but we ran out of time.  However, she is keen to continue to work closely with tech organisations to help the Government better utilise digital tools and services.

Meanwhile,  Minister Faafoi picked up the remainder of Clare Curran’s portfolio last week, following her resignation.  He is the new Minister of Communications, Digital Media and Broadcasting.  Minister Chris Hipkins now holds the Open Government portfolio alongside Education and State Services.

Last week, I also had the pleasure of spending time with Juliet Gerrard, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.  She was a breath of fresh air with a strong interest in understanding how to connect the research and science in business, particularly tech firms, into the bigger science and R&D picture.  This more holistic view of the role of science should benefit the country.

I’m looking forward to spending a couple of days in Christchurch later this week, attending the Canterbury Tech Summit and then the national economic development agencies tech strategy day.  It is fantastic to see people from across the country collaborating to help make New Zealand more prosperous underpinned by technology.

Nga mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

PS:  This week is Maori Language Week and Spark, Te Aka Maori Dictionary and Google have launched Kupu – an interactive mobile app using machine vision and AI to help people discover the Te Reo translation of objects.  Download the app and point your camera at something for a translation.

This week!

Help Kiwi tech companies grow

Fight cyber attack!

CONNECT

The next EdTechNZ Meetup is 11 September in Auckland. Also 11 September, NZSA’s Understanding the Future of AI, in Auckland.

Help TechWomen thrive in the digital ecosystem. Join the discussion on 25 September in Wellington. Register to attend here.

Attend SIBA’s Annual General Meeting on 27 September and the 2018 New Zealand Spatial Awards on 17 October in Wellington.

PROMOTE

Discover the practical applications of Blockchain technology, transforming business and government, from supply chain to smart cities, digital identity and finance.  Blockworks is 12 October in Auckland.

Make a difference and help create a more inclusive transport system.  Register for the New Zealand Transport Authority’s All Access Hackathon, 21-23 September in Auckland.

Join the Techweek team and help us make next year’s festival the best yet!  We need a marketing executive to deliver the Techweek’19 marketing and communications plan.  Read the role description and learn more.

ADVANCE

Discover the Gulf region and learn how to make the most of Expo 2020 Dubai, with NZTE’s Gulf Opportunities Showcase.  Register to attend on 24 October in Auckland and Hamilton, 25 October in Christchurch and 26 October in Wellington.

Is your company ready to scale up with international growth? Enter the inaugural #TechRocketshipANZ Awards.  Categories include AI, clean growth, creativity, data, food, mobility, security and tech for change.  Entries close 23 November.

Payday filing starts soon, so get ready now.  From September, the Inland Revenue is holding free seminars nationwide.  Find a date in your city and register here.  Attend the New Zealand FinTech Summit on 29 November in Auckland.

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