NZ will see dramatic tech changes in the coming decades, NZTech leader says

In 10 years, all of New Zealand’s road transport needs could be met by as few as 50,000 self-driving cars operating vastly more efficiently than the 4.7 million vehicles on the road today and the number of accidents could drop to under 1000 per year, a leading New Zealand tech expert says.

NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says in that connected future, city authorities will optimise traffic flows via automatic light phasing and public rubbish bins will automatically schedule themselves to be emptied.

“On farms, sensors measuring every aspect of the operation will help farmers make decisions about pasture, environmental and animal management with pinpoint precision.

“These are just some examples of areas that will be fundamentally re-imagined from the ground up over the next decade as Internet of Things technology takes off – and the potential long term value to the economy of that re-imagining is estimated to be worth billions.

“We are committed to helping New Zealand make the most of this ultra-connected world. Spark, one of our NZTech members, is in the thick of exploring potential uses of these technologies with councils and companies around the country and tapping into sensors and smart devices connected to its world-class network.

“As leaders in technology, the opportunities for us to shape, develop and grow new New Zealand markets seem limitless. Technology is the fastest growing sector in the economy and is attracting considerable support from Government which is investing $100 million over six years in 31 projects at New Zealand universities, crown research institutes and private research organisations.

“Central to creating a digital nation the Government has also invested $1.5 billion to roll out ultra-fast broadband across the country with priority areas being businesses, schools and health providers.

“Then next month virtual and augmented reality, start-up competitions and a showcase of Kiwi innovation stars are on the cards when Techweek AKL 2016 hits Auckland.

“Together with ATEED we are supporting the week of technology innovation and the events are designed to showcase New Zealand as a centre of innovation and technology,” Muller says.

Google creative director Tara McKenty, Martin Jetpack founder Glenn Martin, Orion Health founder Ian McRae and NZTE International director Claudia Batten will be among the 35 speakers at the reshaping our world themed events.

The May 14 to 22 event coincides with the Tripartite Summit taking place in Auckland in May, with delegations from Los Angeles and Guangzhou, and the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards on May 20.