🔒Building a safer online Aotearoa

This week, the internet’s front and centre. Safer Internet Day 2026 is tomorrow and it’s a timely reminder to pause and reflect on how we look after ourselves and each other online. As Brent Carey, CEO of Netsafe shared last week, “Online harm is no longer a fringe issue. It’s disrupting everyday life for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.”  

Netsafe’s research found that 38% of Kiwis experienced unwanted digital communication in the past year. Netsafe is hosting Safer Internet Day here in Aotearoa, and there are a few easy ways to get involved: sharing social posts and resources. Find out more here.

And if it feels like there’s a new financial scam in the headlines every day, you’re not imagining it. New Zealanders are losing more than $200 million a year to scams, which is why it matters that the government, banks, telcos and digital platforms are working together through the anti-scam alliance to systematically reduce scam risk. We’re already seeing practical steps introduced (like rapid account matching) and this week I’m looking forward to working with digital platforms on an anti-scam code of practice. We’re focused on real measures that make it harder for criminals trying to exploit others online.

We are also gearing up for our annual National Cyber Security Summit in March. From online safety to scam prevention to stronger cyber resilience, this week the Tech New Zealand team is doing our part to help create a better New Zealand underpinned by good technology.

Got an event idea? Techweek26 submissions open!

Techweek26 (18–24 May), supported by Principal Sponsor Deloitte, brings “The Art of the Possible” to life across the motu—connecting communities, innovators and decision-makers to shape a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re calling for event submissions, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to Techweek.

This year our programme is guided by six pillars to help you tailor your event for maximum impact:

• Foundations: Tech strengthening our national infrastructure
• Future: Emerging technologies and breakthrough innovation
• Growth: Tech growing New Zealand’s economy
• Life: Tech making everyday life easier
• Social Good: Tech solving social challenges
• Governance: Frameworks to guide tech responsibly

Anyone can host an event and it’s free to be part of Techweek26. Host an event and you’ll be featured in our official Techweek26 programme with tools and support to help you promote it.

Hi-Tech Awards entries closing

There are just three weeks until entries close on Monday 2 March at 5.00pm. Time to get your entry in!

Your next steps:
✔ Review the entry categories and criteria
✔ Download an entry form and draft your submission
✔ Submit your entry online 

Then attend the finalist announcements on Thursday 26 March in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

March is also shaping up to be a big month with four of our major conferences scheduled. Join us, we’d love you to be part of it

Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO, Tech New Zealand

Read full news here: 🔒Building a safer online Aotearoa