NZTech Inform: Celebrating Techweek25

Kia ora,

Techweek has wrapped up for another year! After almost 250 events across 18 regions in just 7 days, I think we’ve all earned a well-deserved rest.

When our team started envisioning Techweek25, one word kept coming up – impact. That’s why this year, we focused on active content pillars: growing exports, developing careers and skills, lifting productivity, creating good tech, improving sustainability and scaling success.

It was incredibly rewarding to see that intention for impact brought to life, not only at the 15 events I was able to attend in person, but also across countless others I followed from afar. The energy, innovation and collaboration displayed throughout the week truly showcased the best of our tech community. Our highlights include:

• A call to action from Adrian Smith on open banking and the announcement of Deloitte’s new AI institute at our launch event
• Minister Collins declaring we’d have an all of government app “by Christmas” at AWS’s Foundations for Tomorrow;  
• The Minister for Small Business taking a “list of actions” following a small business productivity round table led by Xero at parliament
• Thousands of school-age rangatahi engaging with tech at events across the motu including at Media Design School’s annual open day
• Powerful conversations and connections made that support the growth of tech exports at events with NZTE and Airwallex.

The team have worked hard to extend the value of these conversations, publishing 15 event recaps which cover everything from new science system reforms, to whether or not we’re losing our kids to the algorithm. I encourage you to dive into our content below. 

This impact would not have been possible without the generous support of Techweek25’s sponsors, who demonstrate inspiring thought leadership and willingness to share their expertise and resources to benefit all of Aotearoa. I would like to mihi to our principal sponsor Deloitte, as well as our strategic sponsors AWS, Xero, NZTE, Airwallex and Media Design School – for their commitment to advancing our tech ecosystem.

I’d also like to extend our thanks to the incredible network of regional coordinators and volunteers who bring Techweek to life in communities across Aotearoa. From teaching people to build and launch rockets in Ōtepoti, to connecting rangatahi with tech in South Auckland, your dedication ensures that Techweek momentum keeps building. We’re reaching more Kiwis every year and making a real difference in their lives. Ka rawe! 

Lastly, thank you, our amazing NZTech community for embracing this initiative. Whether you were organising events or attending them, your time, energy and commitment play a vital role in driving the growth and adoption of technology across New Zealand.

Your support truly makes a difference. Bring on Techweek26!

Budget 2025 Insights

Last week, Budget 2025 landed, bringing several wins for Kiwi tech:

Investment Boost: You can now write off 20 percent of new capital equipment in the first year.

Start-up Support: Changes to employee-share schemes and dropping the planned Digital Services Tax help keep start-ups capital-friendly.

Deep-tech R&D: There’s an extra $130 million for science, three new public research organisations and a dedicated gene-tech regulator, all set to turbo-charge deep-tech research and development.

Screen Sector Support: A $577 million top-up secures the screen production rebate, protecting thousands of high-skill jobs.

Attracting Investment: The new Invest New Zealand agency will act as a single-entry point for offshore capital to back local scale-ups.

STEM and Digital Projects: From 2026, STEM tuition subsidies will increase and there’s a raft of upcoming government digital projects on the way.

The message is clear: now’s the moment to invest, innovate and show the world what New Zealand tech can do.

The Best Places to Work survey closes 30 May. We’re proud to sponsor the Tech and Tools category and I’d love to see our members recognised at the awards in September. 

Finally, congratulations to this year’s NZ Hi-Tech Awards winners. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

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View full newsletter here: A week of impact, innovation and inspiration

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