Don't miss our next Waipā Tech Series meetup!
We can't wait to see you! Everything you need to know about our next session is provided below.
Waipa Tech Meetup #2 2026 - Harness AI to enhance your business
Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Location: Bridges Church, 28 Duke Street, Cambridge
Don't get 'bucked off' - Harness AI to enhance your business offering
AI isn’t coming. It’s already here. And for many small and medium-sized businesses, the pace of change can feel fast, confusing, and a little bit overwhelming.
This Waipā Tech Series meetup is designed to cut through the noise and focus on practical, real-world ways businesses can harness AI to strengthen what they already do, without massive budgets, technical teams, or shiny-but-useless tools.
Whether you’re in growth mode, trying to do more with less, or simply don’t want to be left behind, this session will explore how AI can work for your business, not against it. Because the businesses that stay in the saddle are the ones that learn how to harness change, rather than fearing it.
The panel discussion will be facilitated by Grant Johnson from Rocketspark, with a chance for audience questions.
Enjoy drinks and nibbles while connecting and networking with other founders, operators, and support providers.
Thanks to our sponsors
A huge shout out to BNZ Cambridge for hosting us, and of course, our regular sponsors: Waipā District Council, Rocketspark, Soda INC., and Belle PR.
Guest speakers
We’ll hear from three local practitioners working at the sharp end of AI adoption, each offering a short, punchy five-minute perspective, followed by a Q&A.
Jordan McFadyen - Director, Done by Nine
Jordan McFadyen is the director and founder of Done By Nine, a digital marketing agency supporting businesses across New Zealand and Australia. With over 18 years of experience, Jordan and his team specialise in crafting data-driven marketing strategies while advocating for meaningful AI integration. As a speaker and host of the Marketing Mindset podcast, Jordan delivers actionable insights to help businesses connect with their audiences and drive measurable results. He regularly speaks at business events and conferences, sharing practical approaches to digital marketing, AI implementation, and business growth. Jordan's work focuses on cutting through marketing noise to help companies build sustainable, strategic approaches that deliver real impact.
Jeremy Johnson – Founder & Chief Product Officer, Rocketspark
More has changed in software design and development in the last six months than in the last six years. While big companies are using AI to reduce headcount, Rocketspark uses AI to go faster and create more value for customers and partners.
Jeremy, Rocketspark co-founder and chief product officer, will share how his team is harnessing AI across the entire product cycle, from customer insights and fully interactive prototypes that mirror the final experience, to vibe coding custom internal tools.
He'll talk about how AI is being used for context across Rocketspark to speed up output, improve quality and break down silos.
Register to join us on Tuesday, 19 May 2026
5pm - 6:30pm
What are the Waipā Tech Meetups?
This is an initiative brought to you by Rocketspark, Soda Inc., Belle PR, BNZ, and the Waipā District Council.
We offer a series of events, designed to bring Waipā-based tech businesses together for insights from local tech experts (or "tech-sperts"). Expect practical tips and techniques, opportunities to network with like-minded businesses, and drinks and nibbles in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Who’s it for?
Tech businesses and budding entrepreneurs in the Waipā district.
What’s on offer?
Keynote speakers to talk through the latest tech-related skills, trends, and founder stories
Networking opportunities with local businesses
A relaxed environment with refreshments
