Techies are spoiled for choice

By Staff reporter

NZ Herald·

15 May, 2016 05:00 PM2 mins to read

Patrick McVeigh. Photo / Getty Images

Innovation, design and technology is in the spotlight as Techweek gets into full swing, hosting international and home-grown talent at more than 50 events around Auckland.

Patrick McVeigh, Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development's general manager of business, innovation & skills, said the theme for Techweek AKL 2016 was "reshaping our world".

"It's about demonstrating the potential of technology to transform industry and business, connecting people and businesses to help them grow, and creating greater awareness of Auckland as a home of world-class innovation.

"There are more than 50 events in the programme, which showcase the technological expertise that Auckland and New Zealand is home to, and a great opportunity for people to learn from local and international experts," McVeigh said.

Universities, private businesses, start-up communities and industry associations are hosting events as part of a week that offers a range of events covering areas such as virtual and augmented reality, nanotech and biotech, big data and gaming.

"There are events for everyone, no matter their age or technical nous."

Auckland's technology sector was experiencing 26 per cent growth and produced $2.7 billion in exports, with New Zealand's total export earnings in the sector reaching $6.1 billion, McVeigh said.

"New Zealand's and Auckland's visibility globally as a centre for innovation and technology is growing," he said. "While there's still work to do, we are building our global reputation in the ICT and advanced manufacturing sectors due to success stories such as US venture capital firm Sequoia's recent $11 million investment in Kiwi video technology developer 90 Seconds."

International experts speaking at events included Gary Bolles, co-founder of eParachute, a San Francisco based start-up focused on helping job-hunters and career changers; Google Asia Pacific creative director Tara McKenty and her creative partner Iain Nealie; and Singapore-based Megan Walters, international director at JLL heading research for the Asia Pacific capital markets.

Techweek coincides with the Tripartite Economic Summit taking place in Auckland, with delegations attending from Los Angeles and Guangzhou, as well as the NZ Hi-Tech Awards.