Events

The utilities market, involving both energy and water, is undergoing significant disruption and requires increased digital transformation. The energy sector, driven by technology innovations and regulatory pressures continues to make major shifts towards a net-zero future. These shifts are characterized by significant investment in diverse renewable energy sources along with initiatives that aim to enhance power generation, optimize consumption, improve customer experience, and reduce total cost of ownership.

Increasingly, the water industry faces pressing challenges around access to clean water for a growing population, and the need to mitigate environmental impact and risk from inefficient water and wastewater management. At the heart of this disruption is technology, which is an essential catalyst for change. As the utilities market continues to evolve, technology plays a vital role in driving sustainable growth, environmental and sustainable stewardship, and improved services for consumers and generators alike.

In the session, Dr Zeev Berkowitz, Chief Operating Officer at Gentrack Limited will describe the disruption in the markets and the way Gentrack’s technology enables utilities sectors to unlock ongoing benefits of efficient and effective systems, leading to a more sustainable future for all.

Register here.

Speaker:  Zeev Berkowitz
Date:  Thursday 17 October 2024
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Venue: Decima Glenn Room (260-310), Level 3, Owen G Glenn Building or https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98185486233

How do we define Emerging - Disruptive - Exponential Technologies (EDET)? How do they overlap, intersect? What are their horizon impact differences? During this session, we explore these definitions and build towards how these map across Convergence Lenses, Convergence Frameworks and Convergence Impact. We’ll challenge these Convergence contexts within example industry, practice and community environments and discuss views on how EDETs can be leveraged via converged, intersected, interfaced perspectives.

Register here.

Speaker:  Kriv Naicker
Date:  Wednesday 25 September 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

In this engaging session, our guest speaker, Jason Wood, Managing Director of Triple Ledger and a seasoned expert in cyber security and risk management, will demystify the critical concepts of information security for the non-technical audience. Drawing on over two decades of global experience, including leadership roles at prominent "Big Four" firms, Jason will provide insights into the importance of regulatory compliance, the role of cyber security in business, and the necessity of risk and controls assurance.

The session will mainly cover:

• An introduction to information security and its significance in the business environment.
• The role of regulatory compliance and risk management in maintaining robust information security practices.
• Guidance on pursuing careers in cyber security, risk management, and compliance, highlighting the skills and certifications that can enhance employability and effectiveness in these fields.

Register here.

Speaker:  Jason Wood
Date:  Thursday 22 August 2024
Time: 9-10am
Venue: In-person at Level 0 of the University of Auckland Clocktower in room ClockT039/105S-039, or online via Zoom.

The session will focus on the transformative applications of generative AI in 2024, exploring the ways this technology is evolving and how it is showing up in the products we use every day. We will discuss practical approaches to deliver genAI solutions safely and responsibly, drawing on Microsoft's experience in product development and supporting customers. We will also cover global and local genAI adoption trends and how AI is delivering productivity gains and can drive significant ROI for organisations across industries. Attendees will gain an understanding of what makes a big difference to their industries today and how to measure these impacts effectively.

Register here.

Speaker: Colby Raley
Date: Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

In the fast-paced tech environment of New Zealand, traditional security testing methods are falling behind, unable to match the speed of continuous software development. This gap leaves businesses exposed to cyber threats longer than necessary. In this presentation, Ankita Dhakar will examine how the integration of Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) and Bug Bounty programs is revolutionizing the cybersecurity approach within the tech industry.

Register here.

Speaker: Ankita Dhakar
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

Generative AI is making us rethink how we see and interact with technology and the world. But what comes with new technology is new risks. Deloitte is supporting clients in navigating this new technological landscape and paving the way for New Zealand to engage with AI in a safe and governed way. Today will highlight key considerations for AI governance, risk mitigation and the exciting way that generative AI can bring value to Aotearoa and globally.

Register here.

Speakers: Amanda Williamson, Anthony Williams, Rosie Geenty
Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Case Room 2, Sir Owen G Glenn Building and online via Zoom.

Since the introduction of ChatGPT, enterprises around the globe took interest in the possible benefits of this GenAI technology. While the press and tech providers extensively promoted the potential of ChatGPT to deliver value, there has been limited number of cases where ChatGPT has had an impact and even less information about how such a transformation journey has been achieved. Join us to this joint seminar of Lifewood and CODE to hear from the executive team and researchers how one enterprise transformed into a ChatGPT centre.

Register here.

Speakers: Ronald Cheung, Eric Kang, Ilan Oshri, Ying Zhang
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

It has long been recognised that technology has created divides between those able to access tech and those who are not. As organisations prepare for a technology-powered future, digital inclusion (the efforts to “bridge” divides and purposefully include those left behind) is becoming increasingly important and yet, is not widely considered as part of mainstream digital strategy.

Our symposium considers this global issue from the New Zealand perspective, attending to the specific landscape in Aotearoa. We invite NZ-based institutions, organisations, and academics to discuss how NZ organisations can empower individuals to effectively leverage digital resources, thereby ensuring equitable participation in the digital age.

Speakers: Jade Brooks, Billie Lythberg, Dom Pringle, Christine Woods, Misa Tovia Va'aelua
Date: Wednesday, 14 February 2024
Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Venue: Decima Glenn Room, Level 3, Sir Owen G Glenn Building

While you're familiar with Software as a Service (SaaS), enabling access to cloud-based applications via the Internet, envision an innovative business model that lets you enlist a robot to handle those tedious, routine tasks within your backend operations, called Robotics as a service (RaaS).

The ability to hire a robot also means this is plausible for majority of our small-to-medium enterprises in New Zealand. The Robotic Process Automation (RPA) industry has traditionally only been accessible to Large to Enterprise level customers, with proof of concepts going for 5-6 figures simply to develop a test case.

As open source technology becomes more sophisticated and advanced, more robotic automation capability is now accessible to developers, allowing new products to be developed without a hefty price tag. Creating a simple 5 step automation can take as little as 5 minutes with efficient use of opensource technology. This allows the RaaS model to be viable, and available to smaller organisations at no upfront cost, and billed only when the automation is in production.

Learn how to utilise this new trend of hiring robots in your workplace, business, hobby, or side-hustle.

Speaker: Samuel Hoh, Founder and Software Developer at Robot-Hub
Date: Monday 6 November 2023
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot is the new AI digital assistant developed with ChatGPT version 4 and embedded into the Office 365 apps you use every day. This sophisticated processing and orchestration engine harnesses the power and capabilities of large language models (LLMs) with your data in the Microsoft Graph - imagine your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and more. Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot can turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.

In this talk, Hilary Walton will present an overview of the upcoming Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot including insights into other ecosystems of Co-Pilots that Microsoft is developing. She will delve into how Co-Pilot utilises your proprietary business data and how Co-Pilot works with 3rd party tools and services using plug-ins for connecting to an external data source. She will also cover how you can use Co-Pilot to create content and how Co-Pilot protects sensitive business information and data.

Speaker: Hilary Walton (Technology Strategist at Microsoft NZ, @HilsWalton)
Date: Wednesday 18 October 2023
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

More than just look at AI that targets Māori, Sara will talk about how Māori view this technology, the opportunities and concerns for us and the world, and what solutions we can bring.

Speaker: Sara Stratton
Date: Tuesday 19 September 2023
Time: 11am-12 noon
Venue Hybrid: Room 260-057 - Case Room 2

Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT have rapidly transformed the way we work and produce content, augmenting many roles, replacing some. In this talk Justin will explore AI for Business use cases, sharing examples from NZ and around the world and share practical advice to build curiosity, awareness and capability of AI in your organisation.

Speaker: Justin Flitter (Founder & CMO Unrivaled.co.nz - Marketing Strategy & Activation | Founder NewZealand.AI - AI for Business | Chair, NZ Tech Marketers | Director, Business Mentors | TEDxAuckland)
Date: Wednesday 26 July 2023
Time: 12-1 pm
Venue: Online via Zoom

The abrupt COVID-19-induced three-month lockdown of the Auckland region put immense pressure on business owners and their people. The bulk of the EMA’s 7,100 mostly SME members are in this region and needed accurate, practical information, advice and access to services in a different way to help them keep the doors open. They also needed a connection with Government in Wellington that would highlight the full extent of the ongoing lockdown on already struggling businesses, and its impact on both the Auckland and national economy. The EMA had to rapidly change the way its people worked, as well as find different, technology-focused way to keep members up-to-date, including immediately of expansion of capacity and working from home for its core AdviceLine service, an ongoing Web Series with latest updates and insights, and transforming previously in-person learning portfolios to rich online ones. Join EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley to find out more about how COVID accelerated its transformation, and the benefits for staff and members.

Presenter: Brett O’Riley (EMA Chief Executive)
Date: Wednesday 31st May 2023
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: Case room 2 260-057 and Online via Zoom

Understand the world of digital currencies with Ben Rose, regional leader for Binance - the world's leading blockchain and crypto ecosystem. Ben will demystify some of the core concepts behind cryptocurrencies, including the origins of transferrable value, blockchain technology, use cases, and the spectrum of centralization. Delve into their origins, usability, and impact on modern finance, empowering you with the essential knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Presenter: Ben Rose (Regional General Manager, Binance Australia and New Zealand)
Date: Wednesday 10th May 2023
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
 

Covid, lockdowns, inflation, floods, cyclones… The 2020’s have been a wild ride so far and what might come next is anybody’s guess. Drawing on the experience of Foodstuffs North Island through these challenging years, Simon will share his thoughts on how organisations in general, and technology teams in particular, can set themselves up to achieve the best possible outcomes despite the challenges. Expect an interactive session including some presentation content but plenty of flexibility for Q&A and “ask me anything” discussion.

Presenter: Simon Kennedy – Chief Digital Officer (Foodstuffs, North Island)

Date: Friday March 24th 2023

Time: 12-1pm

Venue: Online via Zoom

The Centre of Digital Enterprise once again invites you to hear from top experts in the area of sustainability and digital strategy about how Aotearoa should address sustainability challenges (e.g. net zero targets) and what enterprises, professional associations and tech providers (and policy makers) can do to make Aotearoa an exemplary case of a tech-driven sustainable nation.

Panelists:

Molly Harris Olson, Director, Global Partnership Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand
Emma Barrett, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft New Zealand
Graeme Muller, CEO, NZTech

Moderator: Mitchell Pham, Director, CodeHQ

Date: Friday 4 November 2022
Time: 2 - 5 pm NZST
Location: Decima Glenn, Room 310, level 3, Sir Owen G Glenn Building, The University of Auckland Business School, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland

Register here
 

Facial recognition payment (FRP) technology is a controversial payment innovation (e.g., making payments based on consumers’ facial biometric information stored by retailers). FRP provides consumers with convenience and advances retailers’ consumer relationship management. However, its close linkage to privacy and financial benefit/loss demotivates consumers largely. Unfortunately, we have limited knowledge about consumers’ decision-making journey to trial such a controversial technology.

Based on in-depth interviews with 17 Australians, this study reveals that consumers would not trial FRP until stages such as having knowledge, generating interest and desire, performing information search, and trusting FRP. Each stage is influenced by several consumer- (e.g., perceived ease of use), retailer- (e.g., customer-store relationship), and customer-store relationship-related factors.

Speaker: Dr. Shasha Wang, Lecturer, Business School, Queensland University of Technology, and an Honorary Research Fellow, Business School, University of Western Australia.

Date: Wednesday 29 June 2022
Time: 1-2pm NZST
Location: Zoom

Register here.

The Centre of Digital Enterprise invites you to hear from top experts in the area of sustainability and digital strategy how they view the sustainability challenges for New Zealand enterprises, and how digital solutions could help in addressing these sustainability challenges.

Date: Thursday 16 June 2022
Time: 2-5pm NZST
Location: Sir Owen G Glenn Building

Speakers and panelists:

Annabell Chartres, Partner, Sustainability and Climate Change Leader, PwC
Priti Ambani, Director, New Business and Innovation, NZ Tata Consultancy Services
Julie Lindenberg, CEO, APAC, CoGo
Mitchell Pham, Co-Founder CodeHQ and NZ Digital Council
Ilan Oshri, Director, CODE, University of Auckland

Programme:

2-2.30pm: Registration and refreshments

2.30-3pm: Ilan Oshri presenting the results of the Digital Sustainability Index

3-4pm: Panel led by Mitchell Pham with panelists: Annabell Chartres, Priti Ambani, Julie Lindenberg

4-5pm: Networking with canapé and drinks

Register here.

The Centre of Digital Enterprise is teaming up with BlockchainNZ and NZTech to lead a timely debate about the role of emerging technologies in climate change. Are emerging technologies the solution or the source of further pollution?

Title: Solution or Pollution: Emerging Tech & Climate Change in NZ

Speakers: Ilan Oshri, Professor Information Systems and Operations Management, University of Auckland and James Cochrane, Partner, Stace Hammond

Date: Wednesday 18 May 2022 
Time: 10.40-11.40am NZST

No registrations required.

Find out more and access the live link.

Programme

Session 1: Value Creation via Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation is the adoption of digital technologies to transform services and businesses. This session brings about 2 excellent examples of digital transformation in New Zealand.

Date: Friday 19 November 2021
Time: 2-3pm NZST

Speakers: Steve James, Head of Technology, Woolworths New Zealand & David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story, and Founder of Spend on Small Businesses (SOS Business)

Session 2: Value Creation Via Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence

Both blockchain and AI have been in the news as emerging technologies that will transform business and society. This session offers a unique insight into the role of blockchain and AI in our life.

Date: Friday 19 November 2021
Time: 3.15-4.15pm NZT

Speakers: Nicole Upchurch, General Manager, Centrality & Dr Nicolas Hohn, Senior Analytics Expert at McKinsey & Company in Melbourne and Chief Data Scientist, QuantumBlack Australia

Register here.

Presenter: Scott Leeb, Corporate Lead, Knowledge, Fragomen

Bio:

Scott Leeb is currently the Global Corporate for Knowledge at Gragomen, a leading international immigration law firm. Over the past 25 years, Scott has created, managed and grown the global business intelligence/knowledge management programs at four Fortune 500 companies (Prudential Retirement, The McGraw-Hill Companies, KPMG and Ingram Micro), and a leading international philanthropy (The Rockefeller Foundation). He also advised the Saudi Arabian and US federal government on how to build and sustain their knowledge capabilities.

Scott has spoken in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America on a wide range of topics including competitive intelligence, business intelligence, market intelligence, strategy and knowledge management. He began his career as a senior intelligence analyst for the US Army, specializing in East Asian political-military affairs. Scott holds MAs from The Australian National University and Columbia University, a BA from Yale University and a language certificate from Beijing University.

Date: Wednesday 27 October 2021

Time: 12-1pm

Location: Zoom

Register here.

Presenter: Nathan Richardson (Chief Digital Officer) and Anja Strogies (Manager Global Tax) at PwC New Zealand

Bio: 

An overview of how PwC NZ has taken a business and citizen led approach to their Digital Transformation. By scaling Agile across the firm, PWC have been able to better improve their prioritisation and build momentum on automation and digitising traditional services. PWC’s citizen led transformation is about upskilling their people, enabling and empowering staff to innovate and make change unimpeded.

Date: Tuesday 28 September 2021

Time: 2-3pm

Location: Zoom

Register for the event.

Presenter: Edwin Lim, Partner, Hudson Gavin Martin

Bio:

Edwin Lim is a partner at Hudson Gavin Martin, a leading New Zealand technology, media and intellectual property law firm. Edwin’s main areas of practice are technology and IP development, commercialisation, protection and procurement.

Edwin has worked with businesses across various industry sectors (both customers and vendors) and has numerous clients offering SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions. He has over 20 years’ experience in technology procurement including RPA, ERP, CRM and other large scale IT development and implementation projects in New Zealand and the Middle East.

In addition to his LLB (Honours) degree, he has a BCom (Honours) degree from the University of Auckland majoring in Information Systems, so understands the technical, business and legal issues involved in technology projects. Edwin is a committee member of the Auckland District Law Society Technology Law Committee, and is the Secretary of the NZ Middle East Business Council.

Date: Wednesday 25 August 2021

Time: 12-1pm NZST

Location: via Zoom

Register for the event.

Presenter: Nicole Upchurch, General Manager, Centrality, Auckland, New Zealand

Bio:

Nicole brings her fierce passion for smart and effective marketing communication to the role of CENNZnet General Manager. Combining a history of working across a broad range of technology disciplines, Nicole is on a crusade to ensure that Centrality is recognised globally as an edgy, market-leading and highly successful blockchain business.

Date: Tuesday 17 August 2021

Time: 10.45am-12pm NZST

Location: Level 3, Room 321, Sir Owen G Glenn Building

No registration required.

Presenter: Dr. Taiwei (David) Wang, Associate Professor and Driehaus Fellow, DePaul University

Bio:

Data brokers are the major players in the market for collecting, selling, and sharing user information. Much media attention is paid to the risk of information leakage associated with the data exchange activities between data brokers.

Dr. Tawei (David) Wang will present his recent research to identify the information leakage from the dark web and examine whether such incidents are related to the data exchange between data brokers. The effectiveness of the recent data broker registration law introduced in Vermont and California will also be discussed.

Date: Tuesday 3 August 2021

Time: 3-4pm NZST

Location: via Zoom

Register for the event.