Past Events
March 2026
Papamoa Startup Coffee Club
Regular coffee meeting for founders/members/interested folk in the startup space in the Papamoa region. No agenda or presentation, just a nice-to-be-out-with-smart-people thing.
FinTechNZ Hui Taumata 2026
Get ready for the FinTechNZ Hui Taumata 2026 - Forging Ahead: Shaping the Future of Finance
With industry advancement and the legislated Open Banking regime now laid down, New Zealand has the opportunity to truly shape the future of finance.
NZ Tech Rally IWD 2026 - WÄhine shaping tech communities
Celebrate International Womenâs Day 2026 with NZ Tech Rally community as we recognise incredible wÄhine community builders across Aotearoa New Zealand. Panel discussion with Erica Anderson, Pauli Sosa and Alyce Lysaght, and Rachel Collingridge as moderator.
AgentCamp Christchurch
AgentCamp Christchurch is a community-driven AI learning experience where developers and AI enthusiasts come together to explore the latest in AI agents, tools, and practical applications. Held in Christchurch, New Zealand, our goal is to help everyone learn, share knowledge, and build real-world solutions with AI. We have 12 expert speakers covering topics for developers, lowcode and the generally curious!
Queenstown Women in Health Tech Coffee Catch-Up
We're kicking off monthly coffee mornings. These will be relaxed, informal catchups: a chance to expand your network, swap news and ideas, and meet others in the space. We'll have a table booked and some Women in Health Tech signage so you can find us easily.
Come along for a barista coffee, a good yarn, and the chance to connect with other women working in health tech.
Apple Technology and AI in Aotearoa
The Apple Technology and AI in Aotearoa event isnât about flashy demos or being sold the "next big thing." Itâs a grounded, local conversation about how these tools actually function in a New Zealand classroom. We want to move past the "wow factor" and look at the practicalities of making this work for our staff and our learners.
Weâre focusing on what this looks like in practice:
Workflow, not workload: Weâll explore how to use the Apple tools you already have, enhanced by AI, to give you ba...
SaaS Partnerships (with NZTE)
A hands-on workshop for mid-scale SaaS companies on how to make partnerships work
Christchurch AI Meetup - Multimedia Video & Image Generation
Prompt engineers are movie producers now, and in March's First Monday Meetup, we will make a movie together. Caelan Huntress will demo image generation using concepts crowdsourced from the audience, and Arthur Machado will craft video assets from those images during the event. Drinks, demos, and practical takeaways included.
February 2026
Startup Queenstown Lakes: Spark Up Workshop (Alexandra)
Turn your idea into action.
Got a business idea that wonât leave you alone? Ready to finally do something about it?
SPARK UP is a focused 5-hour workshop designed to help you move from idea to action, with the support of experienced startup coaches and a community of like-minded thinkers.
Who Is This For?
This workshop is perfect for anyone who:
Has a business idea, need to pivot your business, or product concept youâre ready to explore.
Needs structure, support, or accountability to take the...
Tech Masters at The New Zealand Open
Innovation meets inspiration in the heart of Queenstown. Tech Masters brings together industry leaders, future-focused thinkers, and the regionâs growing tech community for a morning of conversation, connection and world-class ideas. Hear from Sir Ian Taylor on AI in Sports Technology and Rod Drury on Driving the Future of Queenstown.
AI in Educational Leadership
AI in Educational Leadership
The Founder-Operator Welcome Back Party | Co-hosted by Caffeine & Lumin
2026 is going to be a defining year for Aotearoaâs startup ecosystem and there is no better way than to kick things off with a bit of a party!
Lunch & Learn | The COIN Canvas. Session One.
COIN's version of a customer focused one page business plan. Provides one place to get all your thoughts down on paper, to enable you to see your idea as a whole. Helps you to answer important questions about various aspects of your idea/business in a meaningful way. It allows you to see what gaps you have and where you need more support and how COIN can help. Fran will take you through each box individually, how to complete your own canvas and answer any questions.
AI EmpowerED Students
Itâs easy to feel like education is moving at a speed no one signed up for. One day weâre talking about traditional literacy, and the next, weâre wondering how to handle a classroom where every student has an AI assistant in their pocket. If youâre feeling a mix of curiosity and "how do I actually manage this?" you arenât alone.
The InnovateEd Summit is designed to be a breather from the noise. Itâs not about tech-hype or replacing the teacher; itâs about how we help our studentsâand ourselve...
DayBreak - Festival of Innovation
A one-day shot of skills, ideas and connections to propel you into 2026, giving you momentum to Make Shift Happen.
DayBreak is about innovation. That is, the knowledge, connections and skills you need to make meaningful change. Whether you are thinking about projects, communications, policies, strategies, systems or businesses, DayBreak will give you insights and tools you can put in play now and into the future.
DayBreak is for you if...
- Youâre ready for 2026 to be your best year
- You'...
Doso February Meetup: Speed Network!
Doso's fast-paced and super fun speed-networking meetup is back by popular demand!
Think âSpeed dateâ without the romance (though nothing's off the table!) â we'll be regrouping, finding out who's who and who's doing what in the startup space: founders, enablers, professional service providers, investors, people looking for team members or partners.
EdTechNZ Community Connect Event
Connect in-person with the New Zealand EdTech community for the first time in 2026!
Auckland Bootstrapper's Breakfast / February 2026
Bootstrappersâ Breakfast is a relaxed, founder-focused morning series where entrepreneurs come together to share experiences, swap ideas, and learn from each other over good coffee and fresh croissants âđĽ
WÄhine in Data Ĺtautahi
Data Governance and Ethics, Privacy and Security - Speaker Panel featuring:
Nicoleta Croitoru - Director, Technology and Transformation, Cyber, Privacy and Resilience at Deloitte.
Ana Connor - Business Analyst at Farmlands who is leading a product master data initiative alongside the development of practical data governance frameworks and tools.
Amy Cohen - Consultant specialising in Data Governance, AI and Compliance
Aimee Whitcroft - Consultant. Amy is a nationally and internationally know...
WhangÄrei Startups February Pitch-and-Mix Social
The startup founders, investors and supporters of WhangÄrei are invited to mix and mix and mingle over drinks, kai, and inspiring startup stories.
Blackbird Foundry Roadshow - Dunedin
Blackbird is hosting VC learning sessions in cities across Australia and New Zealand covering how venture works in 2026 for deep tech companies, how to raise well, and how Foundry helps you get started.
Blackbird Foundry Roadshow - Christchurch
Blackbird is hosting VC learning sessions in cities across Australia and New Zealand covering how venture works in 2026 for deep tech companies, how to raise well, and how Foundry helps you get started.
KiwiSaaS: Breaking into the US: Hard-won lessons from Kiwi leaders
Cracking the US is a massive opportunity, but it can be a minefield. Hear from operators whoâve done the miles. Caleb Helm (VP Global Operations & Partnerships, Lumin), Liz Fraser (CRO, Serko), Ruth Macleod (exâNZTE), and Byron Powell (CRO, Parkable) share practical strategies, missteps to avoid, and what theyâd do differently if they started again. This webinar is followed by an exclusive 15 minute Q&A for KiwiSaaS members.
Feburary Morgo Workshop (Wellington)
Join us for a Morgo Workshop - Managing Up (the board and shareholders matter)
Blackbird Foundry Roadshow - Wellington
Blackbird is hosting VC learning sessions in cities across Australia and New Zealand covering how venture works in 2026 for deep tech companies, how to raise well, and how Foundry helps you get started.
Blackbird Foundry Roadshow - Auckland
Blackbird is hosting VC learning sessions in cities across Australia and New Zealand covering how venture works in 2026 for deep tech companies, how to raise well, and how Foundry helps you get started.
KiwiSaaS: Future of Agentic Web Development
All signals are pointing to wholesale transformation of how we build software.
Let's share experiences, hear from people who are further ahead in agentic development, and explore how we push into this in the context of our larger tech teams.
Startup Queenstown Lakes: Spark Up Workshop (Queenstown)
SPARK UP is a focused 5-hour workshop designed to help you move from idea to action, with the support of experienced startup coaches and a community of like-minded thinkers.
TEDx Wynyard Quarter 13th February 2026
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF WORK - Where Innovation Meets Humanism.
Powerskill Panel - Challenges Facing Women in Tech and why I decided to do it anyway
Challenges Facing Women in Tech - and why I decided to do it anyway
Join us for honest conversation and connection as we explore the real challenges women face in tech - and more importantly, what kept them going anyway.
NZ Tech Rally Feb 2026 meetup
NZ Tech Rally first Meetup of 2026.
Hear from our two speakers:
Chloe Gunn (CX Designer @ Kiwibank) - Unlocking Your Brainâs Edge with AI
Mrinal Mukherjee (Engineering Leader @ BNZ) - Engineering management: Not quite what they told you
Queenstown Women in Tech - Career Mindset Workshop: Own Your Energy
Kick off 2026 with a transformative mindset experience that will enable you to set and execute the right intentions for your career throughout 2026 and beyond.
Entrepreneurs Coffee Jam
Created for local founders, creatives, and people shaping whatâs next, this is a low pressure way to connect and start your day with conversations that matter.
Startup Queenstown Lakes is teaming up with The Mountain Club for this event. We'll shout the first 50 coffees, alongside three quickfire talks from local entrepreneurs. Each speaker has five minutes to share what they are building and why it matters, followed by a short Q and A. The floor will then be opened to everyone, where you can...
Celeberating Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub
Learn about Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub - a vibrant co-working space hosted by Te Herenga WakaâVictoria University of Wellington in conjunction with the Wellington City Council.
Nelson Dev Group
If you're a developer, or just interested in the topic, come to the monthly Nelson Dev Group meetup. Expect a talk on a topic and group discussions. And maybe some pizza.
Fintech Welly: Open Banking | AI & the Future of Finance
A space for founders, investors, enthusiasts, and partners to connect, collaborate and grow a thriving Fintech ecosystem in the capital.
WÄhine Fuelled Tech - Deep Dive into Creative Tech
WÄhine Shaping the Future of Creative Tech!
WÄhine Fuelled Tech - Deep Dive into Creative Tech
Come along for an evening of creativity, big ideas, and future-shaping stories! Weâre bringing together three incredible women who are breaking new ground in animation, games, VR, and design. From building feature films to creating award-winning games, theyâll share how theyâre pushing the limits of technology and imagination.
2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards Hamilton Launch
Join us for a fun and inspiring morning to kick off the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards! Whether you're an entry pro or a first-timer, this is your chance to hear insider tips from our brilliant judges on what makes an entry stand out.
Christchurch AI Meetup - AI Data Testing and Coaching with AI
Explore testing data and coaching conversations at February's First Monday Meetup. Hamish Watson will be exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and testing data, while Caelan Huntress will be sharing practical techniques for using AI as a personal coach. Drinks, demos, and practical takeaways included.
January 2026
Startup Queenstown Lakes: Spark Up Workshop (Wanaka)
SPARK UP is a focused 5-hour workshop designed to help you move from idea to action, with the support of experienced startup coaches and a community of like-minded thinkers.
New Zealand Act in Space 2026
ActInSpace is coming to New Zealand in 2026!
Our event will be hosted at GRIDAKL in Auckland, New Zealand. Organised and delivered by SpaceBase Limited, and made possible by Planet, Aerosopace New Zealand, and GRIDAKL. The competition is open nationwide.
AI Ethics Meetup: AI's Impacts on Finding Work and the Future of Work
Join us for some talks on AI Impacts on the world of work. Afterwards we'll have some Q&A then head to a nearby pub for drinks and further discussion.
2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards Christchruch Launch
Join us for a fun and inspiring evening to kick off the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards! Whether you're an entry pro or a first-timer, this is your chance to hear insider tips from our brilliant judges on what makes an entry stand out.
Dunedin Cryptocurrency Meetup (January)
Come and join us for the Dunedin cryptocurrency and blockchain community meetup, hosted by Cryptocurrency NZ.
Startup Queenstown Lakes: The toughest part of being a founder? The Mindset đ§
Being a founder is hard, lonely, rewarding, and life-changing - often all at once. Your mindset can make all the difference.
Join Startup Queenstown Lakes with special guest Sophie Wiltshire, a passionate connector of entrepreneurs and innovators, as she dives into key mindset shifts that help founders thrive. From growth mindset to transitioning from corporate to founder life and tackling the "lonely at the top" reality - this session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways.
2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards Auckland Launch
Join us for a fun and inspiring afternoon to kick off the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards! Whether you're an entry pro or a first-timer, this is your chance to hear insider tips from our brilliant judges on what makes an entry stand out.
Plus, hear from a previous award winner whoâs been through it all and knows exactly what it takes to make your submission shine!
Come for the insights, stay for the connections - because we're all about creating great vibes and even greater opportunities. We canât wai...
AI Agents: Human - AI Collaboration
The main goal is to spark activity and engagement in the group while showing whatâs possible with AI agents. As the community grows, weâll share tools and practical strategies to help members build their own agent-powered teams.
Queenstown Tech Social (January)
Come join the local tech community for some social drinks.
No sponsors. No talks. No organisation. Just a change to mingle and chat with others working in tech here in Queenstown.
2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards Wellington Launch
Join us for a fun and inspiring evening to kick off the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards in Wellington
Fintech Lab 2026 Launch Party
Join us at Creative HQ for the official Fintech Lab 2026 Launch Party, where weâll reveal the bold new startups accepted into this yearâs accelerator. These founders are ready to redefine how Kiwis invest, pay and build financial solutions for New Zealand and beyond.
Apex Venture & Tech Connect Days in Auckland
Apex Venture & Tech Connect Days is a four-day, venture-focused event designed around movement, conversation, and real opportunities â not long conferences.
Product Tank Christchurch: Building Bionics
What happens when your "user interface" isn't just a screen, but a physical extension of the human body? Join us for a deep dive into Product Management at TASKA Prosthetics, the company behind the world's first robust, waterproof multi-articulating prosthetic hand.
Digital Workplace Confrence
Two Days of learning about tools in the Digital Workplace across 3 consecutive tracks â over 40 sessions to choose from!
Customer Stories to hear real-world application stories from 35 Speakers from across the globe.
Can We Build Humanity-First AI When Profit is King?
Andeed Ma, a global leader in AI governance and co-author of the new book "AI for Humanity"
Andeed confronts the central tension in artificial intelligence today: the clash between Big Techâs "profit-first" business models and the urgent need for AI centered on human values and safety.
December 2025
KiwiSaaS: Wellington SaaSmas Party
After 6 consecutive sell-outs, New Zealandâs fastest growing sector is gearing up again for its annual Christmas celebration. It will be anything but a silent night!
KiwiSaaS: AMA with Tracksuit Co-Founder Connor Archbold
Youâve heard about Tracksuitâs wild growth, now ask the Co-Founder & CEO how they did it! Connor Archbold will share whatâs worked (and what hasnât) on the journey from Kiwi startup to global brand-tracking platform. This Ask Me Anything session is followed by an exclusive 10 minute Q&A for KiwiSaaS members.
KiwiSaaS: Auckland SaaSmas Party!
Auckland, letâs wrap 2025 in style. Join KiwiSaaS, Digital Garage, Hudson Gavin Martin and Stripe for our first annual SaaSmas Party. Itâs a megaâoffice Xmas celebration for the cityâs biggest SaaS community.