News, views and analysis from NZ’s tech sector
No Images? Click here
Hi there,
Two weeks on from the Christchurch terror attacks, New Zealand comes together again today for the national remembrance ceremony. The attacks have united the nation and focused attention on the role the social media platforms could play to stifle the spread of all extremist views.
With Facebook's lame policy response (which is a very, very long way away from the "U-turn" that TVNZ news reported it as) exemplifying social media companies' lack of social empathy or commitment to real change, the call is amplifying for companies to send a message by withdrawing their advertising on social media sites.
In other news
- Govt invests in data science for environmental, social and economic gains
- Big pay deals on offer (with some strings)
- Robotics to the rescue for apple orchardists?
- Real-life learnings on automating Kiwi business
- Lloyds Bank highlights DX opportunity for NZ Inc
And on the theme of automation and robots, tune in to our next webinar on Automation Benefits and Risks, coming next Wednesday, April 3, to find out more about what parts of your business might be ripe for process automation.
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
Advertisers ctrl+alt+dlt social spending in Christchurch wake
In the aftermath of the NZ terrorist attack, Cantabrians, countrymen and corporates alike are taking a stand…
The NZ terrorist attack has prompted a call to boycott platforms that refuse to address the ugly reality.
Facebook and YouTube enjoy billion-dollar profits without being truly challenged on their lack of accountability when it all goes wrong.
Advertisement
Big data gets big bucks from NZ Govt
Could this be a game changer?…
The Government has launched a $49m initiative to boost NZ’s data science capabilities to tackle environmental, social and economic issues.
“While New Zealand has pockets of world class expertise in data science, current capability is dispersed and small scale.”
Are these the most lucrative jobs in IT?
Wait, I have to do what?!?…
Cybercriminals are apparently offering million-dollar ‘salaries’ to skilled technology professionals willing to don a black hat – and dabble in sextortion.
“Many threat actor groups are actively on the recruit for members to collaborate with and to help them scale their operations.”
[Read more]
Apple orchardists pick robotics to ease harvest woes
‘World first’ robotics hit Hawkes Bay orchards…
Seasonal labour shortages could be reduced in future, with trials this week in Hawkes Bay of a robotic apple picker.
“Robotic technology reduces the physical demands of the work for our people as well as boosting productivity.”
[Read more]
Advertisement
NZ businesses share automation lessons
Perpetual Guardian, ADHB and Westpac serve up lessons on automating…
When Auckland District Health Board wound down their first automation trial recently, staff held a leaving party for Velox – the little bot had, after all, been part of their team for four weeks.
"A human actor can handle poor quality data efficiently whereas a bot is much more black and white."
[Read more]
Taking digital transformation beyond business
Call goes out for companies to look at DX beyond their own business…
New Zealand and Australian companies have been challenged to think beyond their own businesses when it comes to digital transformation and become an active part of bridging the skills gap.
“If you think about it and do it right from the start, you can really increase productivity and help your country prosper.”
[Read more]
This week's sponsor:
Advertisement
Upcoming events:
> Automation Benefits and Risks | Apr 3 | At your desk
> Connect 2019: eCommerce Innovation Summit | Apr 11 | Auckland
> Data, cloud and the need for speed | Apr 11 & May 2 | Hamilton and Wellington
> Automation for Business | May 7-8 | Auckland
> Techweek | May 20-26 | Various locations
iStart is proudly supported by these leading New Zealand software providers:
Latest Buyer's Guides
ERP Buyer's Guide | CRM Buyer's Guide | HR/HCM Buyer's Guide | BI Buyer's Guide
Privacy statement: We have sent this weekly eNewsletter to you at your e-mail address: [email address suppressed]. iStart will never share your e-mail address, but you may from time to time receive other event invitations or partner communications from us. You can opt out of these by managing your subscription preferences, where you can also update your e-mail address and other details.
Find out more about iStart | Advertise with iStart | Subscribe
Please support independent journalism!
Here at iStart we are passionate about independent fact-based journalism.
If you feel the same way, and like what we do, then we welcome your support through crowdfunding platform PressPatron.
 |  |  |
Phone: 0800 928 268 or Email: subscriptions@istart.co.nz