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NZTech Inform – celebrating innovation in May
I have just heard that the annual Hi-Tech Awards has completely sold out and there is now a waiting list to attend. At the end of Techweek2021, over 1,200 smartly dressed movers and shakers will attend the red carpet gala dinner and awards ceremony on 28 May. This year’s event is even more special for the NZTech team, as we are a finalist in the Contribution to the Tech Sector. We can’t wait to join the celebrations and recognise our sector’s brightest stars.
While the Hi-Tech Awards celebrates our amazing entrepreneurs and companies, it is the New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards that recognises people behind the software and information technology – the people that make IT work. Nominations for the 2021 Awards are now open. Check out the award categories here and please consider nominating a young IT professional, or excellence in people leadership.
Now we are in May, we are only three weeks away from Techweek2021. The programme is building fast, starting with TEDx Auckland on Saturday 22 May. There are now hundreds of tech and innovation events throughout New Zealand. We host Techweek to help inspire the next generation into technology, and to showcase New Zealand’s cool tech and innovation to Kiwi’s and to the world. Make sure you block some time in your calendar for the week of 22-30 May and explore the world of Techweek.
The Government has been working to reduce the impact for software firms transitioning from the Research and Development (R&D) Growth Grant to the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI). Recognising the definition of eligible R&D has excluded many software R&D projects, last month the Government published new eligibility guidelines. While this has improved the situation for software R&D, there is still work to be done. Last week, the Government moved to provide further support by introducing a transitional package – a one-off adjustment to your RDTI claim to match your previous Growth Grant. Officials have told us the intention is businesses should claim their maximum RDTI entitlement before being able to access the top-up scheme, in order to embed the RDTI rules and processes in their organisation. Details of how this will work will be released in due course.
This week, I am working from Tauranga and then onto Wellington to continue supporting work on the publication of a draft Digital Tech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). Keep up to date with ITP progress here. But I’m looking forward to Friday, a day off with family and friends out on the water.
Have a great week.
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
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