NZTech INFORM – Digital Futures Spotlight

Last week, New Zealand didn’t get a CTO. While many people found this very disappointing (myself included) it is probably a good thing that the Minister put the brakes on the process until she has an advisory group surrounding her. This is an important role, as we need someone in Government who is tasked with looking to the future and that needs to be the right person. Hopefully, the process will begin again and a proper assessment of the current applicants can be undertaken as well as a ‘widening of the search.’

The TechLeaders Executive hosted Minister Curran for lunch last week to discuss future work scenarios, automation of jobs and re-skilling staff. The Minister assured the group that the delay in appointing a CTO is simply a pause to ensure the right person is selected.

Today, I am at the Digital Nations Summit in Auckland. We’ve pulled the summit together with Conferenz and the DIA to help develop a digital strategy for New Zealand. There are 95 local and international speakers and panellists who are co-designing a digital vision for New Zealand for 2030 in collaboration with an audience of 500 business, social, tech and government leaders, as well as students, teachers, entrepreneurs and interested public. If you can’t make it in person, attend online instead. The summit is live streaming from Monday morning.

Have a great week,
All the best

Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

Next month

Streaming live today!

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CONNECT

Join TechWomen on 8 March, as we showcase local diversity success stories in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The events are valuable for men and women, so bring a buddy.

Join EdTechNZ for their South Island launch on 6 March in Christchurch.  A panel will discuss how tech is shaping the way we educate.  Canterbury Tech’s monthly event will immediately follow the launch.

Save the date for FinTechNZ‘s first monthly InsurTech meetup on 5 March in Auckland.  Follow FinTechNZ on Facebook, LinkedIn and sign up for regular event updates.

PROMOTE

Techweek recently chatted to future of foods strategist Dr Rosie Bosworth about AgTech and the global challenges she thinks New Zealand is ideally positioned to address.

The Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator recently welcomed its 2018 cohort.  NZTech’s board intern, Sonya Williams is an alumni.  Read her NZTech Q&A profile here.

Don’t forget, event submissions are now open for Techweek’18. Here’s everything you need to know about being involved, including popular types of events and event planning tips.

ADVANCE

Ahead of this year’s new research report, AI Forum NZ has released this AI ecosystem infographic.

Do you know someone doing inspiring work? Nominations for the 2018 Hi-Tech Awards close today.  Final entries close 5 March.

Here’s five reasons Kiwi entrepreneurs should apply for the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.  Applications close 20 February.

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