NZTech Update – Blade running technology and a new role available.

Hi Readers

Don’t you love these summertime four day weeks? Despite a few short weeks, plenty has been happening. Last Wednesday, I attended the New Zealand Pinot Noir Gala Dinner with NZTech member Wine-Searcher.com, the world’s leading wine pricing database and searching site. Yet, another cool tech success story from New Zealand. The keynote speaker was 23 year old Liam Malone, double gold medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, taking the world record from Oscar Pistorius. Liam is an impressive young Kiwi athlete who used technology to his advantage; “I wasn’t necessarily the strongest, but I was the smartest and got the most from my technology” he said.

At the weekend, I was surprised to find myself running at the same track as Liam and learnt he needs a bit of help. When I need a pair of new running shoes it costs me $200, but Liam tells me when he needs new blades it costs $20,000! So, on the basis that every little bit helps, I am putting the word out to the NZTech community; please consider donating to help a fellow Kiwi become the world’s fastest man at the next Olympics! DONATE TO LIAM and follow him here.

This week FinTechNZ, a new Financial Innovation and Technology Association launches with events in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. This is now the 12th association within the NZTech Community. The growth of our communities means we are also looking for a new team member. NZTech is seeking an Auckland based member relationship manager to work in collaboration with our Wellington based government and member relations. Read more here.

This week also includes a meeting of industry groups to develop common tech policy recommendations for political parties for the upcoming election. I will also be attending the Canterbury Tech event in Christchurch and New Frontiers in Wellington. On the political front, there is our quarterly meeting with Minister Dunne and the GCIO, Colin MacDonald and GCTO, Tim Occleshaw on government procurement to ensure they understand the impact of their decisions.

Looking forward to catching up with you at one of the many NZTech events this year.

Have a great week
All the best
Graeme

GOVERNMENT SUMMIT 28 FEB

COMING SOON…

ENTER NOW!

CONNECT

Join NZTech Women in Auckland on 22 February and meet Weirdly’s co-founders Dale Clareburt and Keren Phillips. Next month, NZTech Women in Wellington celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Welcome the new year with us at NZTE in Wellington on 16 February. NZTech CEO, Graeme Muller will update us on the projects and research NZTech has underway for 2017. Free to members, register here.

Join us at the NZSA’s monthly networking dinner in Auckland on 14 February. This month; Adaptive product strategy with Agile. Bookings essential.

PROMOTE

FinTechNZ is set to transform the economy. FinTechNZ is bringing together innovative companies across the diverse financial services industry. Join us at the launch of FinTechNZ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this week.

If you are on the lookout for experienced tech talent, check out LookSee Wellington, bringing 100 candidates to the capital this May. Supported by NZTech, WREDA, Workhere and Immigration New Zealand, there is no cost for employers, unless a hire is made.

Nominations for the Hi-Tech Awards close on 13 February and final entry is 6 March. Check out the 2017 award categories. Read our tips on submitting an entry that gets noticed!

ADVANCE

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced a funding boost to NZTech’s Shadow Tech Day mentoring programme for female students. This year, also running in Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Dunedin, during Techweek’17 (6-14 May).

NZBio and the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology invites you to their Summer Reception 2017 on 28 February in Auckland, hosting Dr Ken Taylor of Living Cell Technologies.

The second annual NZTech Advance Government and Technology Summit is in Wellington on 28 February. Technology is at the heart of improving productivity of government services says NZTech CEO, Graeme Muller

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