NZTech Update – Maximising tech sector potential

Kia Ora

Even though last week was a short week, it was still a busy one.  It was great to get together with many of the country’s EDAs to start thinking about Techweek’19 and share notes on what we are all doing to help increase the uptake of technology throughout New Zealand.

MBIE was also represented and we received a brief update on the progress of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Ministerial Advisory Group, or DEDIMAG, if you like acronyms.  This large group has formed focused working groups to work on digital inclusion, maximising the potential of the tech sector, building the digital capability of non-tech businesses, digital connectivity and adapting to technological disruption.  On the subject of the appointment of the new CTO, apparently there has been another large response of quality applicants and further announcements on the process are imminent.

The highlight of the week was spending time with the team at Xero and learning about their Small Business Insights. More than 300,000 Kiwi subscribers rely on Xero to manage their finances every day.  Xero have created an analytics platform that aggregates anonymised data to show the most accurate picture of New Zealand’s business conditions available in the market, updated every month and available for free.  Plus they are happy to work with policy makers to find ways to use the data to help New Zealand succeed.  For example, 14.2% of firms that have adopted Xero are construction firms.  Xero Small Business Insights has found that construction firms that adopt at least one additional piece of cloud software to help manage their business are 33% more profitable.  This is a massive asset for New Zealand, as it is now possible to identify ways to support the growth of our SMEs.

Finally, we have started preparation for this year’s AGM and new Board member nominations.  A large part of the success of NZTech over the past few years has been the large, active and diverse Board.  If you think you’ve got what we are looking for to help NZTech create a prosperous New Zealand underpinned by technology, visit our site to learn more.  We are now seeking NZTech Board nominations.

Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

PS:  Read our full submission on the R&D tax credits here.

EdTech early bird closes tomorrow!

Women in Leadership conference next week

Collaborate with IT professionals

CONNECT

Join NZSA tomorrow in Auckland for Pushing Boundaries with Danu Abeysuriya, founder of innovative digital engineering studio, Rush Digital.

Join the FinTechNZ delegation to London FinTech Week, 6-13 July.  Attend the 2018 CanterburyTech Summit on 12 September.  Registrations are now open.  Missed the Hi-Tech Awards?  Watch the highlights.

Watch the preview and attend the CIO Summit this week on 13-14 June in Auckland.  For a 10% discount, use the promo code: MO4KO4.  For $99 off the TechTeam Pass, use this code: MK4KCO.

PROMOTE

Visit Fieldays in Hamilton also this week.  Innovation remains the cornerstone of the event, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.  Attend the ProteinTECH conference on 24 July in Auckland.

Attend Digital breaths: the benefits of bio-engineering in Palmerston North on 19 June, Napier on 20 June, Wellington on 21 June, Nelson on 26 June, Christchurch on 27 June, Dunedin on 28 June and Wanaka on 29 June.

Join the Ally Skills Workshop on 15 June in Wellington.  Attend the Kea World Class New Zealand Awards gala dinner on 21 June in Auckland.  Hear AI Forum’s Ben Reid at the IoT Waikato Future Tech meetup on 26 June in Hamilton.

ADVANCE

Our AGM is soon and that means election season is upon us!  We are now seeking NZTech Board nominations.  In other news, Banqer’s Kendall Flutey says teachers need to be better paid for the tech revolution.

Join MAHUKI, the culture tech accelerator powered by Te Papa.  Apply now for the 2018 intake, applications close 4 July and the programme begins 14 August.

Have your say in the NCEA review.  There’s still time to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the NZBN Register.  EHF have launched a new website and are now accepting applications for a new cohort.

Want to know more?  Sign up for the NZTech weekly update, it’s free and will take less than a minute!