Join us for a brief discussion of public policy and what can be done to drive the tech sector forward. This will be a panel discussion where we hear from some key voices about how the government can support tech. Questions and opinions are welcome!

Register here

Panelists include:

Neil Hamilton – GM of Canterbury Tech

Neil joined the Canterbury Tech team in November 2018 as General Manager. He has been in the tech game since forever in roles such as hardware designer, software engineer, business analyst, project/programme manager and, for the last ten years or so, various general management roles. He has so far founded eight companies in four countries, and has also led major business and technology transformation programmes for some of NZ’s largest companies. He has a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, a postgrad qualification in Software Engineering and an MBA.

Neil believes the tech sector in Canterbury is poised to really take off in the next few years and wants to play his part in making this happen!

Ben Reid – Director of the AI Forum / Memia

Memia founder Ben Reid is an experienced advisor with a deep industry background in technology business strategy. Ben works with a wide range of organizations spanning multinational software companies, government and startups, bringing technological capability at governance level and helping senior leaders approach complex decisions with clarity.

Ben is active in promoting innovation and collaboration across the New Zealand technology industry and public sector. He is the Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand, has been a longstanding committee member and former Chairman of CanterburyTech, the regional tech industry body and also the establishment Chairman of Canterbury Angel Investors Inc., the regional Angel Investment network. Ben is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Chris Clarke – Canterbury rep for NZ Tech / Stratigence

A business focused IT leader who is passionate about enabling businesses to succeed through the innovative use of IT. Chris’s last permanent position was as CTO for a Canterbury Software firm that was successfully acquired by a large US healthcare company. Chris has a background in product and consulting firms, with experience across government, energy, retail and healthcare both here and in the UK. Chris uses his wealth of IT strategy, implementation and product knowledge to deliver software solutions, streamline IT functions and advise on IT strategy.

Jess Downs – Business Analyst at Datacom

Jess joined Datacom in March 2018 after graduating from Ara Institute of Canterbury with her Bachelor of ICT. During her time at Ara she was President of Ara Tech Girls for 2 years facilitating the bridge between industry and tertiary with students. In her current role as a Business Analyst at Datacom she is working in the PowerApps team.

Prior to this Jess worked in Early Childhood in a range of roles from Nursery Teacher, Head Teacher to Centre Manager. She was a strong advocate for safe learning spaces for children learning about IT and the freedom to explore.

Jess is a member of IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysts), Canterbury Tech Cluster and works on the Women in Tech organising committee.

Geoff Simmons – Leader of TOP

Geoff is the leader of TOP – The Opportunities Party. Not left, not right, just what works. Geoff has previously been General Manager at the Morgan Foundation, undertaking research to get Kiwis talking about important issues facing the nation today. TOP are keen to get everyone talking about policy.

Authorised by Ray McKeown, 90 Crawford St, Dunedin.