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NZTech Inform – #TheyAreUs
Kia ora Readers,
Like most New Zealanders, I’m still shocked and reeling in disbelief at the events that occurred in Christchurch. My sincerest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in Friday’s attacks.
Over the weekend, I’ve read analysis of the alleged killer’s social media presence, including his live-streaming of the most violent act we have ever experienced in New Zealand. Questions are rightly being asked about how this act was not anticipated by intelligence services and how he could live-stream such an atrocity.
Censorship, free speech, accountability and responsibility are important issues, which along with gun law, will be closely examined in the weeks ahead. But let’s pause for a moment and acknowledge our overwhelming reaction of compassion, inclusiveness and echoing our Prime Minister’s words #TheyAreUs. Online, we have collectively rejected hate and shared a strong message of peace.
In the midst of the tragedy, we have also been able to connect with families and friends in ways that have previously not been possible. This includes tagging ourselves safe and connecting on social media with others, united in grief. Technology has also provided ways to offer support and donate to those affected.
So what more can we do? I have just used the wonderful crowdfunding platform, Givealittle, to donate to the official Christchurch victim support fund. If every one of the 5,000 people who read this email today makes a contribution, it will help make a difference.
I am also going to add my voice to the call for sanity regarding our gun laws. As many New Zealand Governments have found in recent decades, it isn’t easy to change gun laws in New Zealand. Change is only possible if the public outcry drowns out the gun lobby. So sign this petition, shout out your support on social media and tag in the PM, so she knows you care.
Facebook: @jacindaardern
Twitter: @jacindaardern
Instagram: @jacindaardern
Kia kaha Christchurch.
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
CONNECT
Join the Tech Alliance at Leveraging Blockchain for your Digital Identity on 21 March in Auckland. Join Agritech New Zealand’s Peter Wren-Hilton and AI Forum’s Ben Reid at MobileTECH 2019, 3-4 April in Rotorua.
Join InsurTechNZ on 20 March in Auckland to explore how tech is affecting sales. Meet innovator Phoebe Tickell on 26 March in Auckland for Designing Organisations to be more Human.
How the Future of AgriTech and BioTech will be enabled by IoT is scheduled for 9 April in Christchurch, 10 April in Wellington and 11 April in Auckland. Registrations for this Tech Alliance event series open soon.
PROMOTE
NZSE’sTechSchool currently has 22 Level 7, Applied Network and Cloud Tech students in need of internship placings or industry based projects. Please contact TechSchool with opportunities for collaboration.
Attend the 2019 Hi-Tech Awards finalists announcement in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on 27 March. Also secure your tickets to the Gala Dinner on 24 May in Auckland, during Techweek19.
Preview Techweek19’s highlight events, including Emerging Tech in Health and MedTech – Good for the World? Plus, Location Intelligence 2019, Startup Weekend Kapiti and the Indie Game Showcase. Help break gender stereotypes and encourage teenagers you know to attend TechGirlsNZ.
ADVANCE
Attend the Changing Face of Government Procurement on 8 April in Auckland and 9 April in Wellington. CERT’s latest quarterly report shows a 205 percent increase in reported incidents, valuing $14.1m. Subscribe to CERT advisories here.
Register for the New Zealand Digital Skills Hui on 27 March in Wellington. Be part of Scale-Up New Zealand, a free online platform for our innovation ecosystem. Meet the UpStarters and learn more about our tech and innovation story.
Lightning Lab GovTech is accepting applications for its July 2019 cohort. Applications for Lightning Lab Tourism close 1 April. The Edmund Hillary Fellowship are currently accepting applications. Submissions on the Copyright Act Review close 5 April. Final submissions for Techweek19 close 8 April.
