NZTech Inform – creating connections

Kia ora,

It was great to visit Taiwan recently, as a guest of their government, to help build new tech connections and opportunities. While there, I was privileged to meet their Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang. At the Workforce Development Agency, I learnt that we may be different countries, but we share very similar challenges, including skills shortages and career pathways. Like Aotearoa, the indigenous people of Taiwan are also under-represented in the tech sector and the Council for Indigenous Peoples shared their insights. 

Back home, to help address the skills shortage within the tech sector, the See Tomorrow First initiative is leveraging New Zealand Story’s new Recruitment Storyteller marketing toolkit. Working alongside Haines Attract they are creating a centralised tech talent application portal and this is supported by an international marketing campaign to attract skilled individuals to New Zealand tech jobs. Find out how to get involved here. 

In other news, I’m delighted to introduce TechWomen’s new executive director, Yvonne Gill. During the last 18 months Yvonne has been overseeing our events and conferences as our strategic programmes director. She joins TechWomen alongside two new executive council members Jemma Simmonds and Tash Bettridge. Read more.

Meanwhile, climate tech is also top of mind this week. We know local tech businesses can play a greater role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate plans but we need your help identifying the tech that will make a difference. Previously, we have highlighted the technology gap and now have support from the Government for research into a Climate Technology Roadmap to accelerate our transition to a low emissions economy. To inform our research, we have prepared a short survey, so please share your views. Learn more and complete the survey here.

In case you missed it, during the weekend, the National Party announced, if elected, they will reform regulation around biotechnology. This would end an effective ban on genetic modification in New Zealand. Finally, someone is responding to the years of advice to the Government from multiple scientists and advisors, who have shown that biotech is critical for addressing our biggest challenges, from cancer to climate change!

Ngā mihi nui

Graeme Muller

CEO
NZTech

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