WAIPĀ TECH MEETUP
SEASON 3
We're planning an exciting lineup for 2027. Watch this space!
Past events
AI in the real world
13 October 2026
Our final Waipā Tech Meetup for 2026 explored one of the biggest opportunities facing businesses today, which is how to move beyond basic AI prompting and unlock real value from tools such as Claude, ChatGPT and other rapidly evolving large language models.
Product designer and AI consultant Paul Osborn shared a practical framework for working with AI, encouraging us to move beyond simply asking for answers and instead use AI to challenge assumptions, collaborate on ideas, build deeper context and support real-world execution.
The evening also featured insights from Rocketspark co-founders Richard King and Lee Reichardt, who shared their team's experience integrating AI into software development. Their journey demonstrated how AI can evolve from a coding assistant into a powerful organisational knowledge tool when supported by the right processes, documentation and team-wide learning.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of context, with speakers highlighting how richer information and shared understanding lead to better, more consistent AI outcomes.
Looking beyond AI technology to the people it impacts
21 July 2026
Artificial intelligence is changing more than just the way we work. It's reshaping recruitment, leadership, workplace culture and the skills businesses need for the future.
At our previous Waipā Tech Meetup, attendees heard from recruitment specialist Linley Steele and people and culture leader Dannielle Mickleson as they explored AI's growing impact on workplaces and careers.
The discussion covered everything from AI-generated job applications and changing hiring practices through to AI fatigue, workforce design and how businesses can use technology to create more meaningful work, not just greater efficiency.
Harness AI to enhance your business
19 May 2026
Waipā’s May Tech Series meetup brought local businesses together to explore practical ways to use AI without the overwhelm. Speakers shared real-world insights on moving beyond efficiency gains to create new value, maintaining brand consistency in AI-driven marketing, and transforming product development through faster testing and stronger data context. The session highlighted both the opportunities and challenges, with a clear message: start small, stay intentional, and build from there.
Cyber Security
24 February 2026
At this session of the Waipā Tech Series, we heard from Kelcy Ballantyne and Tim Bixley from IT Partners, alongside Barry Mitchell from Millennium Technology and Support, who spoke candidly about the real-world cyber risks facing New Zealand businesses.
The discussion centred on practical protections businesses can put in place to reduce their exposure to cyber attacks, from basic hygiene through to more considered system and staff safeguards. Just as valuable were the stories shared about incidents where things went wrong, and the reality of what it took to respond, recover, and rebuild trust once the damage was done.
The session reinforced a clear message: cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a business risk that requires leadership, preparedness, and ongoing attention. The open discussion that followed reflected the value of learning not only from best practice, but also from hard-earned experience.
Growth models
27 November 2025
What does growth really look like in practice?
That was the question at the heart of our last Waipā Tech Series event for 2025, where a panel of seasoned experts shared authentic, no-slides, no-script insights into scaling with purpose.
Each speaker delivered a three-minute snippet of their learnings on growing tech businesses, followed by interactive breakout sessions that gave attendees the chance to dive deeper and exchange ideas.
Free money? Avenues to government funding
7 October 2025
This fast-paced, practical session explored 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 helped attendees understand what’s on offer and how to engage.
From Tractors to Tech
21 August 2025
Who said driving a tractor was an easy job?
At this meetup, we heard from Andre Syben, Founder and Director of Ag Tech NZ, who shared his journey of starting an agricultural machinery company and taking it global by embracing agricultural technology.
There was something for everyone at this session - founders, techies who love to apply technology practically, farmers - you name it.
Read our blog for more learnings from Andre.
Different ways to fund your venture
24 June 2025
Are you keen to learn more about the different ways to fund your venture? Waipā Tech Meetup number four allowed us to hear from the providers of different funding models.
In a fast-paced presentation + Q&A, we learned about crowdfunding, bank debt funding and venture capital funding.
Deep Perspectives on AI
3 April 2025
We mixed things up at our second Waipa Tech Meetup. We started with a fast-paced session featuring three concentrated sessions.
A professor and world expert in AI research shares what's coming next
A SaaS platform shares learnings from building AI into your software
An AI trainer shares what they're learning from helping businesses adopt AI
The speakers then took part in an engaging Q&A. Read the blog for the full update and takeaways.
Once we have our first meetup we can add some pics!
Get connected
Waipā Tech Meetups are aiming to transform tech connection and innovation in Waipa. Be part of this unique community dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration by registering for updates about upcoming Waipā Tech Meetups.