WAIPĀ TECH MEETUP
Waipā Tech Meetup Series 2 is here!
Learn more and register for MeetUp #6 on 7th October
Waipā Tech Series #2: Free Money? Avenues to government funding and services for tech
Government support and services for tech ventures is available, but are you accessing what's on offer and maximising its potential?
Join us for a fast-paced, practical session that explores the real opportunities available to tech founders through government-backed funding and support.
From R&D tax incentives to capability building and accelerator programmes, this event will help you understand what’s on offer and how to engage.
Our panel of speakers include:
Anna Devcich - General Manager, Soda Inc.
Dr Fern Kelly-Zander - Innovation Specialist, Soda Inz
Maria Vosper-Rink, Regional Manager, NZTE
Renee Polaczuk - NZ Export Credit Office
Ross Jensen, Oxygen Advisors
Meetup #6 event sponsor - BNZ
Thank you BNZ, our esteemed sponsor for Meetup #6!
A rising tide lifts all boats
In late 2024 Waipā District Council, Soda Inc and Rocketspark came together to plan a series of tech meetups in 2025.
Our mission for the Waipā Tech Meetup is to bring together the local tech community where we can learn from and help each other as we take on the world from the Waipā District.
Discover insights, build networks, and connect with local experts who are happy to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Series Two Meetup #5:
From Tractors to Tech - here's what we learned
Our first meetup for Series Two began with a Q&A session featuring Andre Syben, Founder and Director of AgTechNZ, who shared his journey of founding an agricultural machinery company and expanding it globally by embracing agricultural technology.
Key takeaways:
Innovation can start anywhere - Andre’s journey from farming to global R&D shows how niche expertise can lead to world-class tech opportunities.
Relationships matter - Showing up in person, building trust, and persevering opened doors to long-term international partnerships.
Adaptability is essential - Pivoting during COVID led to a new training business, proving that agility fuels resilience.
Hire well, trust your team - Don’t micromanage. Empower the right people and make tough calls when needed.
Diversify to de-risk - Expanding into new ventures helped reduce reliance on a single client and build business stability.
Working together to bring you Waipā Tech Meetup
Building Waipā's tech community together
At Waipā Tech Meetup, we create a space for people in tech to connect and grow. Our events focus on collaboration and drawing in locally based experts to share their knowledge.
Whether you're new to tech or advancing your career, the meetups will provide opportunities for development in Waipā's tech scene.
Can't make the event? Sign up to be in the loop.
