The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
Visit Tech AllianceNZTech Inform – Unfortunate First World Problems!
Kia ora readers,
This morning, when I was speaking with Mike Hosking on his Newstalk ZB breakfast show we discussed the multitude of variables involved in live streaming sport. However, the collective media response has been overwhelming and I felt like saying “come on people, first world problems!” There’s no denying, that yes, it is frustrating when you pay for something and it doesn’t work perfectly. However, there was always a backup plan. Within 45 seconds of an issue, the broadcast was set to switch to TVNZ says the Head of Spark Sport.
As Martin Devlin commented before the game, whether the All Blacks would beat the Springboks, “Heck yes it IS important, and it’s also a pool match – let’s not forget that. Just like Spark’s coverage, if it all goes wonky there IS plenty of time to fix things before the major knock-out matches.” It’s a sentiment that applies, both on and off the field!
From my perspective, the biggest downside is the intense negativity about technology. At a time when the Productivity Commission is calling for New Zealand to hurry up and embrace more technology, these unfortunate glitches seriously impact broader tech adoption. Hopefully, Spark’s stateside live stream supplier have sorted their issues and as soon as the big games start, we will forget about the earlier snags.
Meanwhile, we are working hard with the team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) preparing a high level scope for the Industry Transformation Plan for the Digital Sector. This week, I am at sessions in both Auckland and Wellington, testing initial ideas with a selection of stakeholders from across the digital tech ecosystem in preparation for broader sector engagement. Once we have the initial framework in place, the plan is to facilitate consultation and feedback sessions throughout New Zealand. This will help ensure we find the best ways to really grow the New Zealand tech sector together.
Speaking of a growing tech sector, come along and check out how well the sector is going at the TIN Report Launch next month. Exciting times!
Have a great week.
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
CONNECT
Join TechMarketers this week in Christchurch and Wellington to discuss unleashing creativity with AI.
Learn how blockchain is solving real business problems at the InsurTechNZ Connect event on 9 October in Auckland.
Join Canterbury Tech on 8 October for a discussion on Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
PROMOTE
Digital Identity’s Andrew Weaver is discussing Digital Citizenship in Aotearoa at the Core uLearn Conference, 9-11 October in Rotorua.
Attend the Future of 3DP in MedTech on 1 October in Christchurch. Join us at the 2019 TIN Report Launch on 31 October in Auckland.
Advancing Digital IT and Law is 25-26 November in Auckland. Advancing Women in Technical Industries and Roles is 25 November in Auckland.
ADVANCE
Explore Powered by Place, the new agritech story. Plus, learn how AI can make a positive impact on New Zealand’s economy, society and wellbeing.
Are you secure online? Make sure of it. CERT’s Cyber Smart Week is 14-18 October. Sign up as an official partner, check out the free resources and order posters.
Most Kiwis are worried about sharing private data. Register for the 2019 NZ Cyber Security Summit and the 2019 NZ Digital Identity Summit both on 16 October in Wellington.