NZTech Connect Event: Responsible Innovation in the Metaverse

Tech utopia or techlash? The metaverse is set to supersede the net, but what does this digital reality mean for our online future?

Is the metaverse tech utopia or techlash?  The 3D virtual world is set to supersede the net, but what does this digital reality mean for our online future?  An immersive environment can be a more intuitive way to communicate ideas and information. But how can we ensure tech companies are innovating responsibly?  What regulatory models can help drive greater transparency and what is being done to promote greater safety?

Join us for a discussion on immersive technologies, how they are currently being applied to support a diverse range of local businesses and organisations.  Plus, we’ll examine how the metaverse can help us solve real-world problems.  We will also explore the potential opportunities for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hear from Meta’s Vice-President of Policy for Asia Pacific, Simon Milner, Arataki Systems’ Lee Timutimu (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou), Wrestler’s Kat Lintott (Ngāi Tahu) and NZTech’s Julie Gill.

EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Tuesday 26 July
• Time: 7.30am – 10am (presentations finish at 9am)
• Location: The Residence Room, Level 2, Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Auckland 1010
• Event Type: Physical
• Cost: Free

Supported by:

Speakers

Simon Milner - Vice-President of Policy for Asia Pacific - Meta

Simon Milner was appointed Meta’s Vice President, Public Policy for APAC in March 2018 and is based in Singapore. He was previously the company’s Director of Policy for UK, Middle East and Africa based in London. He joined Meta in January 2012 to be Director of Policy for UK and Ireland, taking on the broader region in early 2015.

Kat Lintott - Co-Founder - Wrestler

Kat is the co-founder of Wrestler Agency and Studios. She has been experimenting with storytelling and interactive media since 2014. Her passion is to use new technology and creative platforms to empower people in the real world and have a positive impact on themselves or their community. Virtual reality was the initial technology she focused on as a platform, challenging the obvious and easy types of content for more empowering interactions.

Lee Timutimu - CEO & Founder - Arataki Systems

Lee Timutimu (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou) is CEO & Founder of Arataki Systems. He has 20+ years experience working in IT and is the Founder & Co-Founder of multiple community initiatives that seek to empower Māori communities in the tech space, including being the Kaihautū (Leader) and Founder of Te Matarau. Born and raised in Whakatāne, Lee now lives with his whānau in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton).

Julie Gill - Chief Strategy Officer - NZTech

Julie has held senior management and directorship roles within the Tech sector across local and international businesses for over 30 years. Julie is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at NZ Tech where she is responsible for the commercial strategy and the development of NZTech Group and the Tech Alliance in New Zealand.