Kia ora koutou,
It was a privilege to attend last week’s Best Places to Work Awards as a judge and sponsor of the Innovation & Technology category. This event is always a reminder that our ecosystem’s greatest strength lies in its people and it’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate those who are creating world-class workplaces where their people can thrive. Congratulations to our category winners, Tuatara Structures, and to NZTech Group members who shone on the night: Tax Traders/ Taxi, Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau, Brightly, and Sharesies, who were named the overall winner! That’s the second year running a FinTechNZ member has taken out the big one.
Fast track your AI collaboration
In case you missed it, applications are open for the NZIAT Artificial Intelligence Research Platform (and close on 20 November). This landmark Government investment of up to $70 million over seven years aims to lift New Zealand’s AI research and commercialisation for enduring competitive advantage.
Wondering how to turn a bold AI idea into an investable opportunity? Watch last week’s expert webinar on building investable AI collaborations. View the recording here.
If you have any questions about NZIAT AI Platform, I encourage you to visit the Info Hub and click ‘ask a question’.
👉 Join the Info Hub here
Pacific innovation: Friday 7 November (Wellington)
Join Amy Dove (Deloitte) and Tracey Savelio (Kiwibank) from the AI Forum NZ Pacific Advisory Panel for a morning talanoa on AI, Pacific innovation, and how our communities can engage with the NZIAT AI Platform. Connect with peers, explore funding pathways, and discuss capability-building and collaboration.
Our 12th Annual National Cyber Security Summit
We’re proud to be reconnecting New Zealand’s cyber community at Tākina, Wellington, on 17–18 March 2026 for our 12th Annual National Cyber Security Summit. We’re bringing together practitioners, leaders and policy makers for two days of practical conversations, expert perspectives and peer connection. Expect real-world case studies, emerging threat insights and discussion on AI-era risks, regulation, resilience and capability building. It’s a chance to compare approaches across sectors and share what’s working on the ground. The full agenda will be announced soon! Secure your spot and be part of the kōrero shaping Aotearoa’s cyber future.
Digitising Government New Zealand
Join our one-day conference, also at Tākina, Wellington on 18 March. Developed with the support from the Government Chief Digital Office (GCDO) we’re focused on public sector technology and transformation. Designed for government leaders, technologists, policy makers and civic innovators, we’re exploring trust, equity and citizen-centred service alongside modern platforms, data and privacy settings, cyber alignment, interoperability and legacy modernisation. Expect local case studies, global perspectives and practical takeaways for delivery teams.
Relaunched: KiwiSaas is here!
KiwiSaaS is industry‑led, member‑driven, and focused on helping Aotearoa’s SaaS companies grow smarter and faster. To celebrate the relaunch, they’re rolling out 7 Weeks of SaaSmas with 20+ workshops, events and parties nationwide, plus a refreshed website. They’re now accepting new members and there’s plenty of opportunities to be involved. Explore the relaunch, join the community and get involved. Find out more.
The AWS NZ Region is now open. Build, scale and innovate locally.
The AWS Asia Pacific (New Zealand) Region is here, bringing game-changing opportunities to our shores. Three Availability Zones, single-digit millisecond latency, renewable energy and your data stays in Aotearoa. NEXTGEN, a trusted AWS distributor, together with AWS have hand-picked expert AWS partners to help with everything from AI tools and communications to security, cloud migration, contact centres and apps. Meet the partners, read success stories and book a free cloud assessment.
Visit the hub →
This is a sponsored member promotion for AWS/NEXTGEN.
Here’s key dates for members across the NZTech Group: Nominations for the Digital Identity NZ Executive Council close today. FinTechNZ’s Annual Meeting is on Wednesday. The AI Forum’s Annual Meeting is 12 November.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
Read full news here: Celebrating winners, KiwiSaaS relaunch + AI opportunities & our cyber future