Kia ora
We’re celebrating the women who are building, leading, and shaping the future of tech in Aotearoa and we’re doing it together. TechWomen is marking International Women’s Day with special events in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and online. This year’s theme is Give to Gain – a simple but powerful idea: when we invest in each other, whether that’s our time, our networks, or a word of encouragement, everyone moves forward.
ShadowTech26 is on the horizon and school registrations are now open. ShadowTech offers girls in years 9-11 an opportunity to discover the world of tech, spark their curiosity and explore career pathways. Across August students are matched with local tech companies nationwide for hands-on experience, workplace tours and activities. Workplace registrations open soon.
Uniting to protect New Zealanders from online scams
Today we’re launching the New Zealand Online Scams Code (NZOSC): a proactive, industry-led commitment to protecting New Zealanders from online scams. This is a significant moment, and it belongs to everyone who has helped build the conditions for it.
This is collective action in practice and the code doesn’t stand alone. It sits alongside the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance; a cross-sector effort bringing together government agencies, banks, telecommunications providers, digital platforms, and consumer groups. When the whole ecosystem moves together, the impact is greater than any single organisation can achieve alone.
The code sets out 38 concrete commitments across blocking, takedowns, scam reporting, advertising safeguards, email and messaging protections, intelligence sharing, and more. Founding signatories Google, Meta, and TikTok have already committed and the door is open for others to join. Industry leadership means setting the standard before it’s set for you; building trust through action, not compliance. This is what a responsible, forward-thinking tech sector looks like
Bringing Aotearoa’s innovative future to life
This week, we’re in Wellington for two special events that unite ecosystems to bring Aotearoa’s innovative future to life. We’ll have highlights to share with you next week.
First up, the Life Sciences Summit (9–11 March) brings together New Zealand’s life sciences community to ask a big, important question: what does a real bio-future for Aotearoa look like? From gene technology and quantum biology to agritech and investment, these are conversations with real consequences for how we grow one of our most exciting sectors.
Then on Wednesday, we head back to Tākina for the FinTechNZ Hui Taumata (11–12 March) Forging Ahead: Shaping the Future of Finance. With open banking now legislated, this is a genuine turning point. The Hui brings together the people collectively shaping what finance looks like for everyday New Zealanders, and making sure innovation has the room it needs to thrive.
Two events. Two sectors. One shared purpose: making sure Aotearoa’s people and communities are at the centre of what comes next.
Techweek26 starts here!
Techweek26 submissions are open and if you’re thinking about running an event, now’s the time to get ready.
Our Tech New Zealand Ecosystem Engagement Hub has everything you need in one place: key dates, info and a direct line to the Techweek Team when you have questions. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it local, our hub is built to help make your event the best it can be.
Find out more and join our Ecosystem Engagement Hub →
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO, Tech New Zealand
Read full news here: Give to gain: celebrating women in tech + ShadowTech26