This week we’re putting a strong spotlight on cyber security and digital resilience, with two major focus areas shaping the conversation across Aotearoa’s tech sector.
First up is our Cyber Security Summit, bringing together industry leaders, practitioners, and policy voices to tackle the fast-changing threat environment facing New Zealand organisations. From ransomware and AI-enabled attacks to workforce capability and national resilience, the Summit will explore what’s needed to protect our digital economy, now and into the future.
Alongside this, we’ll be diving into Digitising Government, and the critical role of today’s government to build the digital public infrastructure (DPI) for tomorrow’s success. We will hear how the transition of the Government Chief Digital Office (GCDO) out of the DIA and into the Public Service Commission is progressing, discuss the announced “target State” for DPI and work with agencies to accelerate their uptake of AI.
Next week, KiwiSaaS is hosting a timely session exploring the changing cybersecurity threat environment and SaaS providers are increasingly being targeted. Together, these conversations highlight a shared priority for New Zealand’s tech ecosystem: building secure, trusted, and future-ready digital systems.
Quantum Discover Workshops
In partnership with the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology (NZIAT), we’re hosting a series of workshops this March, bringing industry and researchers together to help shape New Zealand’s quantum future.
These half‑day, in‑person workshops will explore New Zealand’s quantum capability, barriers to scale and adoption, and the most promising industry‑relevant opportunities. Insights will inform advice to the Government on potential investment in a national quantum technology platform.
Dates & locations
- 27 March – Dunedin
- 30 March – Wellington
- 31 March – Auckland
(9:00am–2:00pm)
What does the NZ Online Scams Code mean for you?
Last week, we launched the New Zealand Online Scams Code (NZOSC), a collective commitment to make New Zealand safer online.
Developed with industry, government and community partners, the code brings organisations together around shared standards and practical actions to prevent scams, protect people, and respond better when harm occurs. It marks an important shift from fragmented efforts to coordinated, collective action.
The Online Scams Code is a step towards building greater trust in the digital environment and ensuring technology works in the best interests of all New Zealanders. This is what stronger protection online means:
🛡️ Blocking: platforms detect and block suspected activity before it reaches you.
🔎 Ad protection: stops scammers running ads that impersonate trusted brands.
📣 Easy reporting: a simple route to flag suspected scams directly on each platform.
⚡ Fast takedowns: once a scam is verified, it’s removed quickly.
🤝 Intelligence sharing: platforms, banks, telcos and government stay one step ahead together.
📚 Consumer education: ongoing support to help New Zealanders recognise scams and know what to do.
Founding signatories Google, Meta and TikTok have already committed and the door is open for others to join. This is an opportunity for digital platforms to show industry leadership by setting the standard together, rather than having it set for them. The NZOSC is about building trust through action, stepping forward to protect people and strengthen confidence in the digital environment. Learn more →.
Two flagship events: one impactful week.
From life sciences to fintech, it was a big week for our ecosystem. The Life Sciences Summit and FinTechNZ Hui Taumata brought together leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore emerging technologies, sector growth, and the power of collaboration in shaping New Zealand’s digital and economic future.
If you missed them, or want to revisit the key moments, catch up on the highlights below.
View our Life Sciences Summit highlights →.
View event our FinTechNZ Hui Taumata highlights →.
Next week, the NZ Hi-Tech Awards announce this year’s finalists on Thursday in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Friday 22 May in Auckland.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO, Tech New Zealand
Read full news here: Building a safer digital Aotearoa