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New beginnings
Kia ora,
It’s the last week of June, winter solstice and Matariki, traditionally a time for new beginnings. The end of June also sees the completion of the Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) funding for two major tech initiatives that have been creating positive results – See Tomorrow First and kiwiSaaS.
Given the current economic environment, I empathise with the Government’s decision not to continue funding. Both these initiatives have been producing great results, so I’m viewing this as a time for a new start. As the focus moves to export growth we know the tech sector will play an important role. Now, our mission is to maintain the industry/government collaboration so we can leverage the taxpayer investment already made.
Our Tech Story, See Tomorrow First has been raising awareness of our world class tech in several target markets. Congratulations and thank you to the team from NZTech, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and New Zealand Story. Thanks also to nearly 1,000 tech firms that got involved, for coming up with and activating campaigns that have reached over 97 million targeted people – attracting talent, investment and market opportunities.
The kiwiSaaS initiative identified close to 1,000 software-as-a-service (SaaS) firms and united them in a knowledge and experience sharing community. In 2023, SaaS earned New Zealand $3.6b and has been growing by a 15 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2016. At this rate, the sector is on track to earn $9.7b by 2030. They have calculated the substantial economic opportunity if we can help firms grow faster through better access to knowledge and talent. And what a vibrant tech community! Check out the crowd surfing at International SaaS day last week.
This week, I’m in Taiwan representing New Zealand and connecting our tech sector to a large market. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily insights.
Looking ahead, Digital Identity NZ’s Virtual Coffee Chat series continues and the next Blockchain ABC’s Virtual How-to session is 11 July. InsurTechNZ meets on 31 July to discuss global perspectives on collaborative innovation. Join AgriTechNZ at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards, 2-3 July in Wellington.
Finally, congratulations to the winners and all involved in the 2024 Matihiko Awards. Congratulations to Te Hapori Matihiko for a wonderful event.
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO, NZTech
Image courtesy of matariki.co.nz
Read full news here: New beginnings
