Hi there,

Another year almost over, and it’s been another stellar one for the Kiwi tech sector. Highs included Rocket Lab’s successful missions, including the latest space-drop for NASA, a bustling start-up sector attracting more capital and entrepreneurial vigour and signs that long promised benefits from IoT, AI and automation are becoming a reality. It wasn't all smooth sailing however after the low that was the national CTO debacle (symptomatic of a government that was similarly checked out on the tech agenda), Huawei travesties, and cryptocurrency shenanigans…

But while the hype never lessens, Kiwi businesses have kept on doing what they do best – harnessing technology for their businesses in smart but practical ways.

The team here at iStart are taking a summer break but look forward to returning in January with more stories to inform, challenge and amuse you in the year ahead.

But before you head off, we’ve got a roundup of this week’s top news:

Bahumbug: Online voting’s a no, at least for now
Callaghan reckons blockchain really does have value
Software piracy case a win for whistleblowers
Coral reef saviour – the underwater robot injecting goodness
Cloud to serve up new gifts for business

We wish you all a fun festive season – enjoy a well-earned break, and we’ll see you back here to share what the New Year offers for the next cycle of tech wonderment.

Merry Christmas!

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

NZ’s online voting plans scuttled

Turns out online voting is a harder proposition than it may at first appear...

Another year, another delay in NZ’s journey to local election online voting, as LGNZ announces that 2019’s proposed trial will not go ahead.

“With rising postal costs and growing disengagement with elections, there is simply too much at stake to give up now.”

[Read more]

Callaghan takes bold view on blockchain future

It may be hyped to the hilt, but a new report says the blockchain promise is real and set to disrupt NZ industry...

A new report says blockchain technology is likely to have a profound and positive impact on high-tech jobs and digital exports in NZ – haters be damned.

“Participants estimated that the proof of concept could save them between one and 15 hours per week.”

[Read more]

$160k software piracy settlement paid

BSA says using snitches is paying dividends...

A high-profile software piracy case is unfolding in Australia with the BSA awarded an AU$160,000 settlement from a company alleged to have been using 30 pirated applications.

“Rewarding informers has proved very successful.”

[Read more]

Robots delivering coral babies to Great Barrier Reef

BabyBots to the rescue in ‘world first’ – and it’s not at all fishy...

An Australian developed undersea robot has delivered microscopic coral larvae directly onto the Great Barrier Reef in an attempt to help restore reefs damaged by bleaching and other issues.

“It’s like spreading fertiliser on your lawn.”

[Read more]

What’s next for cloud computing in New Zealand

The foundation is in place, so where to next for Kiwi companies and the cloud?...

New Zealand cloud computing adoption has been on the increase in both the public and private sector.

“The foundational capabilities are now in place to power businesses in new ways, enabling agility and innovation.”

[Read more]

Business case for Middleware - Flow Software

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