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Becki Ross was given two to three years to live. Diagnosed at 42 with stage four, incurable bowel cancer, she's a mum of two teenagers, a teacher, and one of those rare people who lights up a room the second she walks in.When we recorded this, Becki had just been told her treatment options had run out - that the cancer was, in her words, "declaring itself," and that her time is now very short.In one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had, Becki talks about planning her own funeral - the plywood coffin, the celebrant, the plan to climb in herself just to make everyone laugh - and about the parts that aren't funny at all: the fear, the reality of leaving her kids behind, and the perspective that's come with facing it head-on.It's a conversation full of light and shade. We talk about the Cancer Crushers, the village of friends carrying Becki and her kids, the health system she's had to fight through, her daughter Maddie's unforgettable words, and the humour that's got her through all of it.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel Dagg had everything he'd ever chased - a Rugby World Cup, a young family, the life a kid from a Hawke's Bay state house could only dream of. Then he retired, and the question underneath it all hit at once: “if I'm not an All Black, who am I?”In one of the most open conversations we've had on the show, Israel comes clean on the five years that followed - the addiction, the depression, and the spiral he kept hidden while the world saw a highlight reel.After his mum passed away he hit rock bottom: he left his family, moved to Auckland, and spent a Father's Day alone in an apartment wondering how it got so bad. He's honest about what it cost the people who loved him, and clear that no one could have pulled him out but himself.This is the story of how he did it - how ownership became the first step back, why nearly three years sober is the best decision he's ever made, and how he came to see that the happiness he'd been chasing had been in front of him the whole time.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Justine Smith has been a fixture of New Zealand comedy for more than 30 years - a Seven Days regular and one of the few women who lasted in a room that pushed most others out.She opens up on the comedy environment younger women were up against, the treatment she swallowed to keep going, and how she turned that guilt into becoming the person the next generation of female comics now comes to. She's also very funny about the rest of it - falling into comedy almost by accident, the terror of her first gig, and three decades of standing in front of a crowd talking about herself for a living.And she tells the remarkable story of her own beginning: adopted as a baby, and reunited with her sister through a single phone call that almost didn't happen.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join host Paul Spain and Neeharika Chowdhary, General Manager of AI and Data Products at One New Zealand. Neeharika shares insights from the recently released 2026 AI Trust Report and discusses how AI is being deployed at scale to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and accelerate innovation.Discover how One NZ is approaching AI adoption, building trust, and unlocking new opportunities for customers, employees, and businesses across New Zealand.Plus the latest tech news including:Trade Me joins Tech NZ's online scams codeNZ Government chooses regulation over crypto ATM banNew York becomes first US state to ban smart glassesThe fight to stop 3D-printed “ghost guns”Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI over trade secret claimsSpecial thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, PwC New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
He's spent nearly 30 years getting the world's biggest stars to open up - but Graham Norton rarely sits on the other side of the mic.The most famous chat show host on the planet pulls back the curtain on his craft: the psychology of who sits where on that famous sofa, why the guests always outrank him, and the research ritual that's funnier than the show itself.He also goes somewhere he almost never does - the San Francisco hippie commune that set him on his path, nearly dying in his twenties, becoming a debut novelist at 52, and how a chance love of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc became millions of bottles with his name on it.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
He's got a championship ring his own kids have never seen - it lives in a closet.Scott Goldman is a high-performance psychologist who's spent 30 years inside some of the biggest teams in world sport, including the Golden State Warriors, and works across five professional franchises at once.His whole philosophy flips how you think about success: you're not your talent, you're your talent times your environment. Get the environment wrong and the most gifted person in the room fails.Recorded in a hotel room at the Football World Cup - this is Between Two Beers' first-ever episode made overseas - Steve and Seamus go deep with Scott on what actually separates the best teams from the rest, the science of intelligence in sport, why he keeps his trophies hidden, the luxury of choosing your own hardship, and how he stays a present dad while doing "cool shit with cool people" on the other side of the world.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 3rd of July 2026, seems like the Government is moving to put restrictions Indian immigration, Sonny Lam, Immigration expert at Queen City Law shares his thoughts. The All Blacks take on France in the first test of the season at the sold out One New Zealand stadium, Chief Executive Venues Otautahi, Caroline Harvie-Teare tells Ryan how big of a deal this will be for the garden city. Erica Stanford's rolling out a big expansion of early language support in ECE centres, Advocates for Early Learning Excellence Chair Kelly Seaburg shares her thoughts on the programme. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Sir Keir Starmer apologising on behalf of the British state for its role in historical forced adoptions in England and Wales and the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang that targeted girls as young as 12 has been released from prison. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason Gunn is one of New Zealand's most beloved entertainers - but behind the energy, the warmth, and the laugh, is a man who has faced some of life's hardest moments.In this episode, Jase opens up about suffering a heart attack at 47, and the moment lying in a hospital bed when his life's priorities became crystal clear. He talks about his son Louis - then a teenager - ripping up his radio contract and telling him "that's not what success looks like, Dad." And he shares the story of losing his mum Janice, the world's greatest storyteller, and what it means to carry someone with you after they're gone.We also get into the rise of the Son of a Gunn show, the magic behind Jason and Thingy, hosting Dancing with the Stars, and why the most confident man in any room still gets incredibly nervous.One of our favourite episodes we've ever done, recorded in 2024 and re-released this week for all our new listeners.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Paul Spain and JD Trask (Raygun & Autohive) as they dive deep into the future of AI, SaaS businesses, and the evolution innovation. Discover JD Trask's journey from founding Raygun to launching Autohive, hands-on insights from adopting AI across teams, and candid commentary on innovation, risk, security, and growth in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Essential listening for anyone passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and AI's impact on business.Special thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, and Gorilla Technology.
The Warriors got back on track over the weekend in their first match at the One New Zealand stadium, where they beat the Cowboys 38-20. Their squad has just been named for their weekend matchup against the Dolphins, a team which is on a 7-game win streak with their last loss happening against the Warriors in Wellington on ANZAC Day. Clinton Toopi is a former Warrior, he joined Elliott to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Cope has spoken to over 40,000 New Zealand parents about the dangers hiding in their children's online world.In this episode, he delivers the talk every parent needs to hear - and pulls no punches doing it.They cover the reality of what kids are accessing online, why good kids in good homes aren't protected, the neuroscience of screen addiction, what the government is getting wrong, practical tools to keep your kids safe, and Rob's Wild Dad movement getting fathers off their phones and back into their kids' lives.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CEO of One New Zealand and self-confessed Rugby League tragic Jason Paris joined Canterbury Mornings ahead of a massive weekend of Warriors action in Christchurch. Paris discussed One NZ's longstanding sponsorship of the Warriors, as well as the telco's partnership with Te Kaha, whether his loyalty to the “Wahs” would be tested if the South Island were to secure its own NRL team. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steve Braunias sat through every day of the Polkinghorne trial - the society murder that gripped New Zealand - and wrote the bestselling book on it. He liked the accused. He chatted with him every morning. And he more than entertains the possibility that Phil Polkinghorne is an innocent man.In this episode, Steve takes us inside the eight weeks that felt like "a carnival": the forensic evidence that won and lost the case, the missing star witness Madison Ashton, the moment the prosecution's case fell apart, and why the national feeling that "he got away with it" collides with everything the facts say.But this is also the story of one of New Zealand's greatest living writers. The Motley Crüe interview that ended with him thrown against a wall. The letter that got him sacked from the Sunday magazine. Failing out of journalism school, learning to type by copying out Sylvia Plath, and 46 years of skewering phonies and squares - plus the surprisingly tender stuff: his late brother Mark, his daughter Minka, and why his dream is to one day stop writing altogether.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Futurist Frances Valintine (founder of Academy X and Tech Futures Lab) joins the show to map what New Zealand actually looks like in twenty years, and it's a sobering picture.We're one of the fastest-changing populations on earth: ageing fast, with a birth rate well below replacement and a workforce shrinking from four people per retiree toward just two. Her warning is that we're already late to plan for it.From there the conversation turns to AI and the future of work, where Frances is blunt - every job ahead will have an AI component, and the longer you wait to understand it, the harder it gets.She unpacks how the technology is already changing the way we search, shop and make decisions, why New Zealand's greatest advantage in a chaotic world is trust, and how a small country might carve out a future by being the "slow but really good" partner the rest of the world relies on.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Sam Allen and Nick Walton, co-founders of NZ Boat Register, to explore how Kiwi innovation is improving marine visibility and asset tracking using AquaGPS, a Starlink-enabled GPS solution. The conversation also covers the latest in tech news, including:Game changing Nvidia chip coming to Windows laptops and PCsMSD Welfare decisions moving to AI Automated Decision-MakingNew Zealand's First Deepfake Porn ProsecutionOne New Zealand AI Trust Report (2026)New Zealand Government budget's impact on the tech sectorExperimental chip demo shows 1000x performance gainsSpecial thanks to our show partners: Fortinet, Workday, Spark New Zealand, One New Zealand, 2degrees, and Gorilla Technology.
Matthew Ridge is one of New Zealand's most recognisable sporting figures - All Blacks captain, NRL star, television personality. But behind the swagger and the highlights reel is a story most people have never heard.Originally released in 2024 and one of our most popular episodes, we're bringing this one back because it deserves to be heard again.Ridgey sits down with Steve and Seamus to tell it all. At 16, he was wrongfully convicted of aggravated robbery - three High Court trials, a 14-year sentence hanging over his head, and a sports career that nearly never happened.He talks about growing up without his father, finding mental toughness through tennis, and the moment he got a voicemail from Graham Lowe asking if he wanted to play rugby league for Manly.He opens up about the NRL years, the TV relationship with Marc Ellis - and he talks honestly about his meth use, functioning as an addict while the cameras rolled, and the moment he looked at a photo of himself and saw no light in his eyes.This is Matthew Ridge like you've never heard him before.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For 20 years, Darren Shand was the most powerful person in All Blacks rugby that nobody knew about.As Team Manager across four Rugby World Cups - including the back-to-back title wins of 2011 and 2015 - Shand sat above the coaches, managed the operation, and helped build the cultural architecture of the most successful international rugby team in history.He worked alongside Sir Graham Henry, Sir Steve Hansen, Sir Wayne Smith, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and some of the greatest players to ever pull on the black jersey.He talks about the 2004 wake-up call that forced the entire culture to change. The private battles with depression. The end of his marriage. The moment a former Crusaders teammate came to his house to tell him he was fired.He shares stories that have never been made public - including a stunning incident before the 2015 Rugby World Cup final that nearly ended his campaign entirely. And he gives his most honest assessment yet of what happened to the All Blacks after he left - and why Ian Foster never really had a chance.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is defending One New Zealand Stadium for its lack of facilities for general admission concert goers. Some of the 12-thousand people with standing tickets at Saturday's 'Once In A Lifetime' show, were surprised to have to use port-a-loos and food trucks outside the roofed venue. The permanent facilities were designed for the seated capacity. Mayor Phil Mauger told Newstalk ZB's Canterbury Mornings this was always the plan. He also said that One New Zealand Stadium may have a smaller set up for the Foo Fighters if sales don't reach a certain threshold. "It'll be the cut down version for Foo Fighters if they don't reach a certain number of people." They also discussed the consultations taking place for Cathedral Square, and what can be done about accident-prone roads across the city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stacey Morrison has been a fixture of New Zealand television and radio for thirty years - but this is the story behind the story.In this episode she opens up about growing up embarrassed by her Māori identity, a gruelling fifteen year journey to te reo fluency, the heartbreaking loss of her mum Sue, and finding the love she never thought she'd have with Scotty Morrison.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matiu Walters and Marlon Gerbes from Six60 joined Canterbury Mornings ahead of "Once in a Lifetime" at One New Zealand Stadium - the first ever music gig at the new stadium. They discussed their journey as a band so far, the excitement to headline the first gig at the new stadium, and the look back at their first performances in Christchurch from years gone by. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Spain visits Mike Casey at Electric Cherries in Central Otago for an inspiring dive into tech-driven sustainable farming. Discover how Mike went from tech startup success in Sydney to building New Zealand's first fully electric cherry orchard, where self-generated solar power slashes costs and future-proofs the business. Explore practical insights on electrification, energy economics, and why making smarter tech choices at every level can transform New Zealand's prosperity and sustainability.Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.
Nate Alley grew up in Tokoroa without a father, got kicked out of school at 16, and spent the better part of a decade angry, lost, and making decisions he's not proud of.Today he runs his own Sentinel Homes franchise in the Waikato, with nearly 200 million dollars in construction work completed over the last decade.In this episode Nate speaks publicly for the first time about his upbringing, a failed first business, burnout, and divorce - and the moment holding his newborn daughter that forced him to confront who he was really becoming.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 1 May, 2026, former Defence Minister Ron Mark explains why he wouldn't be rushing to help the US open the Strait of Hormuz. An Australian reading expert tells us why New Zealand can be world leading in literacy. One New Zealand chief executive Jason Paris outlines what went wrong with an internet outage. And on the Sports Huddle, Nathan Limm and Clay Wilson debate whether Papua New Guinea's got an unfair advantage in recruiting NRL players. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One New Zealand says a widespread internet outage this morning was caused by one of its technology partners. Ninety cell towers were taken down by technical problems - leaving some customers in the South Island and lower North without service or internet. The company says the outage began about 1:30 this morning and it took hours to be fully resolved. One NZ Chief Executive Jason Paris told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the issue was caused by a bug in one of their vendor's software. He says it tried to roll back the update it had made, but the bug didn't go away. The outage also affected 2 Degrees customers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steve cold emailed Jason Paris, the CEO of One New Zealand. He replied in three minutes. In this episode, Seamus and Steve sit down with business coach Di Foster to unpack what landing the biggest naming rights deal in Between Two Beers history actually means for the business, and what it exposes about everything they still haven't figured out.Di doesn't let the celebration last long. With a One NZ contract signed, she turns the lens on the stuff both of them have been avoiding: Steve's got no emergency fund, no real Plan B, and a YOLO attitude to financial planning that works fine until it doesn't. Seamus' catastrophising about $200 oil and backyard bunkers while quietly knowing the business needs reserves. And Di, despite decades of business experience, admits she's never actually felt financially secure either.Thanks to our friends at Odoo for supporting the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kiwi start-up firm Halter has announced this morning it's partnering with Starlink and One New Zealand so its high-tech collars can connect to satellites. Bevan McKnight leases land at Northburn Station in the Dunstan Mountains and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the opening of the new One New Zealand Stadium and all things football. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Chiefs are wary of what the Fijian Drua could be capable of under the roof at Christchurch's new stadium in the final game of Super Rugby's Super Round. The Drua are coming off a shock win over the Brumbies in Canberra last week - their first on the road in three years. Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a strong new start for the Crusaders after their 35-20 Super Rugby win over the Waratahs to christen their new home in Christchurch. The hosts lead 14-13 at the break at One New Zealand Stadium, eventually running in five tries to two with a Dallas McLeod double on the right wing. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ahead of the first fully ticketed event at One New Zealand Stadium, Venues Ōtautahi CEO took John MacDonald on a tour of One New Zealand Stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With One NZ Stadium finally opening its doors ahead of the Super Rugby Super Round, John MacDonald caught up with current Speaker of the House and former Christchurch Regeneration Minister, Gerry Brownlee. They discussed his role in getting the stadium off the ground by convincing cabinet of its importance for Cantabrians, and if he thinks the stadium has matched his expectations from over a decade ago. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Host Paul Spain and Adrian Smith, founder and CEO of BlinkPay, explore open banking, the impacts of the Consumer Product Data Act, and how BlinkPay is helping reshape payments and data sharing in Aotearoa. Adrian delves into the practical challenges of legacy banking tech and the latest innovations in consumer payments. Together they look at the latest tech news including:The dramatic pivot of Allbirds into AI infrastructureRocket Lab's new electric thruster technologyHidden Bluetooth tracker compromises Dutch warshipGoPro's fresh camera directionAST Space Mobile satellite mishaps and connectivity possibilitiesSpecial thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.
Christchurch's long-awaited new stadium, One New Zealand Stadium Te Kaha, is officially open for business. The $683 million stadium has been four years in the making, with construction beginning in April 2022 - and it's all set to host Super Rugby Pacific's Super Round this weekend. Venues Otautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join host Paul Spain and James Bergin (Xero) as they unpack this week's tech news, including Halter's multi-million-dollar funding, NZ Hi-Tech Awards 2026 finalists announced, the end of the 3G era in New Zealand, landmark legal cases against Meta, concerns about privacy with smart glasses, and rising cybersecurity risks. James also shares insights into Xero's multi-year partnership with Anthropic, aiming to deliver real-time financial intelligence, as well as Xero's ongoing impact on productivity and innovation across New Zealand.Special thanks to our show partners: 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday, and Gorilla Technology.
The head of the construction company who built the new One New Zealand Stadium is pleased the stadium has been delivered to the city ahead of time and on budget. Mark Baker, CEO of Australian firm BESIX Watpac, is in Christchurch for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new stadium and joined John MacDonald for a chat during his short visit in Christchurch. "it's been a while in the post COVID era where we're able to say that we've delivered ahead of time, and pleasingly we have." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Dr Ojas Mahapatra, Group CEO of Mars Bioimaging Ltd, to explore cutting-edge advances in portable CT scanning and the future of medtech innovation from Christchurch.Plus a look at tech news from the week including:NZ's new Online Scams Code2degrees and Ericsson's private 5G rollout at Lyttelton PortNZ cyber security stratergy 2026 - 2030Apple's budget MacBook NeoGoogle's Play Store fee cutsSpecial thanks to our show partners 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Host Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, the co-founder of Education Perfect, for a fascinating dive into the world of edtech innovation. Shane shares the story behind Education Perfect's rise, building a gamified language learning platform that now helps millions of students and teachers across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation covers early development and key technical challenges, the role of AI in shaping personalised feedback and learning experiences, and thoughtful insights on balancing technology with integrity and data privacy in education.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, Fortinet, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Listen in as host Paul Spain is joined by Stephen Kurzeja (2degrees) to discuss 2degrees' direct‑to‑cell satellite coverage, and AI‑powered digital transformation. They also review the latest tech news, including Blue Origin's lunar pivot, Kiwi AI platform helping teachers save time, SpaceX files million‑satellite orbital data‑centre plan, Moltbook's social media for AI, Tesla's robotics shift, wearables ban at the Australian Open, and much more.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Host Paul Spain talks with Robomate founder Lachlan Murray about how robotics are transforming life in New Zealand. They cover Robomate's origins, advances in robotic lawnmowers and vacuums and the challenges of importing and supporting these technologies locally. Murray emphasizes fit-for-purpose products and strong customer support. The episode explores China's rapid robotics innovation, future AI trends, and how smart devices are reshaping homes and businesses across Aotearoa. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and curious homeowners alike!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Join Paul Spain and Greg Shanahan, Managing Director at Veriphi and TIN, as they delve into the 2025 TIN Report revealing key takeaways, growth sectors, the evolving world of tech exports, and how NZ companies are navigating the challenges and opportunities in capital, talent, and global competition. They also discuss some of the latest tech news including the new Govt.nz app, 3G shutdown timelines, and Australia's under‑16 social media ban. Plus, NZ Tech Podcast survey giveaways and a quick guide to top Christmas tech gifts including the reMarkable Paper Pro Move, WiZ Floor Light and Philip's Hue Play wall washer. Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Bowen Pan, an inspiring tech entrepreneur whose journey spans from founding uniFriend while at the University of Auckland, leading product at Trade Me, and making a massive impact in Silicon Valley with Facebook Marketplace and Stripe. Bowen shares invaluable lessons on ambition, failure, and the evolution of New Zealand's tech scene. Tune in for insights on global experience fuelling local innovation, and advice to spark your own bold moves in technology!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Hear from host Paul Spain as he sits down with Philippa Cogswell (Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42), to unpack the fast-moving world of cybersecurity. Philippa shares insights into global incident response, including the rise of business disruption tactics, multi-surface attacks and the growing challenges posed by supply chain vulnerabilities. The conversation highlights research findings, including the speed of attacks and the increasing use of AI in cybercrime, plus practical advice for both large enterprises and startups in navigating today's cyber risks. This episode offers a unique window into the realities facing organisations in New Zealand and beyond, with actionable takeaways for anyone invested in digital security.2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report - Palo Alto NetworksSpecial thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
One New Zealand has effectively sacked an actor used in its TV ads after she revealed Winston Peters' home address in a live stream last week and encouraged pro-Palestinian activists to join protests outside the Auckland property. On Monday night, a window was smashed at the house and a 29 year old has since been arrested and charged with burglary. Winston Peters is calling out the activist and actor, Acacia O'Connor for disclosing the street address. O'Connor spoke to Lisa Owen.
Hear from host Paul Spain and Mike Jones, General Manager at Earthcare Environmental. Mike shares his first-hand experiences with Tesla's new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised technology, diving into what sets FSD apart from other automation systems, how it's performing on local streets, and what the future looks like for autonomous driving. Plus, tech news from the week including, Facial recognition in retail, Age restrictions on social media, young inventors LCD glasses for epilepsy and light sensitivity. Advancements in on-device AI, plus comparing inflight satellite Wi-Fi and more. Discover what's driving New Zealand's technology landscape forward.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Hear from host Paul Spain and Julian Wendt (nWebbed) as they unpack the latest NZ Tech report, revealing the impressive growth of the tech export sector, the launch of Pātea, a new app to address gambling harm, and skepticism over massive tech investment figures from global tech giants. Other news included Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite internet progress, Philips Hue expanding into motion detection and doorbells, Google's softer-than-expected antitrust ruling, Turmp's ‘Tech dinner” and a widespread breach impacting major SaaS tools like Salesloft and Drift. Julian delves into nWebbed's darknet monitoring platform, discussing the challenges and ethics of gathering intelligence from the darkest corners of the internet. The episode wraps up with insights on best practices for digital security and a call for all New Zealanders to stay vigilant.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
In this landmark 750th episode of the NZ Tech Podcast, Paul Spain sits down with Xero founder Rod Drury for an inspiring conversation on New Zealand's tech landscape. Rod dives into his post-Xero projects, the future of digital identity, challenges of globalisation, the nation's payment infrastructure, and Queenstown's innovation as a live lab. Expect fresh insights on AI strategies, public-private collaborations, fintech disruption, and how Kiwi ingenuity can shape the world. Don't miss this thought-provoking, future-focused episode!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com What if the secret to high performance isn't balance—but choice?In this episode, I sit down with Jason Paris, CEO of One New Zealand, to unpack leadership, creativity, and building partnerships at a world-class level.Jason's led one of NZ's largest organisations through rapid change—while refusing to miss a single moment that matters with his family. From turning Vodafone into One NZ to forging game-changing deals with Starlink and Salesforce, his approach blends bold moves with deep human values.Here's what we cover:Why work-life balance is a myth—and what to focus on insteadThe role creativity plays in high-performing teamsThe pitch that landed a world-first partnership with Elon Musk's StarlinkHow to adopt AI with speed, experimentation, and purposeHandling public criticism while staying grounded and humanIf you're ready to rethink leadership, scale impact, and stay true to your values, this conversation is packed with lessons from the top—and the heart.You can follow Jason on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-paris-3404565/?originalSubdomain=nzYou can grab your copy of See How They Fall by Rachel Paris here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/fiction/crime-thrillers/see-how-they-fallIf you're interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comWebsite: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.Send me a personal text message - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show
Join host Paul Spain and tech veteran Brett Roberts for a wide-ranging conversation on technology in New Zealand and beyond. From So Sweet using lasers to zap weeds on South Island farms to AI-powered safety systems in manufacturing, Paul and Brett discuss some of the latest innovations improving lives and industries. They also dive into updates around New Zealand's upcoming government digital identity app, privacy and data aggregation concerns, and the balance needed between new technology and personal freedoms. They explore the pros and cons of Starlink's dominance in satellite connectivity, the ongoing global AI arms race, and how algorithmic decision-making is shaping everything from Uber pricing to insurance. Plus, a look at the upcoming Revved 2025 event with insights from leaders in business and tech including Google NZ, Microsoft, Digital Identity NZ, and more.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Host Paul Spain sits down with Dr. Ian Hunter, founder of Writer's Toolbox, to explore the challenges and solutions behind the global writing gap in education. Discover how Dr. Hunter's innovative AI-powered platform is transforming the way writing is taught, why writing skills are more crucial than ever, and how technology can empower both students and teachers. If you're passionate about edtech, literacy, or future-proofing the next generation, this conversation is a great listen!Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Kieran Byrne, the Chief Technology Officer at One NZ. Listen in as they explore the rise of autonomous vehicles, AI-powered telco networks, and the game-changing impact of Starlink's satellite connectivity for Kiwis. Kieran reveals how AI is transforming One NZ's customer service, infrastructure, and the exciting rollout of Starlink's direct-to-satellite mobile services – a game-changer for rural and remote connectivity – and what to expect as 3G is phased out and 5G coverage continues to grow. Kieran offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in modernising legacy infrastructure, plus thoughts on how AI could transform government and the wider tech ecosystem in New Zealand.Special thanks to our show partners 2degrees, One New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, HP, Workday and Gorilla Technology.