NZTech Inform – Why Is Tech Important For All Kiwis?

Kia ora Readers,

This morning, I am attending another Future of Work Tripartite Forum strategic session with representatives from across Government, the business community and unions. Every time I am involved with the Tripartite Forum I realise just how incredibly diverse everyone’s take is on what the future could look like and what is most important.

However, at the same time, it is valuable to have such broad representation from across New Zealand. We are all working together to ensure there is a good future for all Kiwis!

During this morning’s session, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Policy Director and NZTech Board member Kim Connolly-Stone shared the outcomes of the recent Digital Skills Hui that we helped produce. It is great to see constructive input from 400 people from across the education and tech sectors feeding into the Tripartite Forum’s thinking. This includes ideas on improving internships, diversity and lifelong learning. 

Later this week, I am attending BlockchainNZ’s board meeting. There is some very interesting work being explored about Distributed Autonomous Organisations (DAOs). Will DAOs be the future of companies? I’m also joining a meeting about the role of science in New Zealand, relating to data and AI. This is followed by the BIOTechNZ board meeting where we are working on issues as diverse as genomic modifications and medicinal cannabis.

This week, I am able to attend my nine year old daughter’s netball game on Wednesday evening.  Personally, this is a highlight of my week and is a moment to reflect that it’s not about the technology itself, but why we use it. Whether it is IT in Government systems, uptake of tech by small businesses, biotech, tech in education or the growth of our tech exports, it is plain to see that tech is important for all Kiwis. I am also looking forward to next week, as we experience another Techweek with hundreds of events throughout New Zealand.

Have a great week.

Ngā mihi

Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

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CONNECT

Join NZSA tomorrow in Auckland and Canterbury Tech on 20 May. Attend the official Techweek19 launch event next week or join the live webcast.

With hundreds of events across the country during Techweek19, we’re making it easier to find what matters to you. Check out the event playlists and plan your week.

Join EdTechNZ and TechWomen on 13 June in Wellington, 20 June in Auckland and 26 June in Christchurch for a valuable discussion on how to achieve diversity in tech.

PROMOTE

Do you work in Gisborne or Hamilton? We need your help. Please sign up as ShadowTech 2019 mentor and inspire girls to consider tech careers. ShadowTech is also running in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Techweek TV is back for 2019. Unfiltered Co-founder and CEO 23 year old Jake Millar and Kiwi Innovation Ambassador Sian Simpson will be hosting Techweek TV. Check the daily schedule here and save your favourites.

Meanwhile, using the imagination of the next generation, dreams of a clean future will light up Auckland’s Harbour Bridge every night during Techweek19. Local students have collaborated on this special event.  Also, learn about the future of energy.

ADVANCE

Applications for the Callaghan Innovation R&D Experience Grants are open until 31 August. The programme funds a 10 week internship for undergraduate or postgraduate students during the summer break.

The New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards (NZSEA)is now accepting entries. The awards recognise geospatial excellence and celebrates examples of outstanding innovation in the ecosystem.

Attend the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement Chief Negotiators Talks on Wednesday in Wellington. Attend Automation for Business on 23 May in Auckland. Entries for the 2019 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards close 31 May.

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