Our Founder’s Journey
But only the highlights.
Alison.
Al-e-sun (noun).
Exalted, noble, high, ascension. A symbol of leadership, courage, and spiritual guidance.
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International Development for Young Professionals
Board Member, 2025The Institute of Directors
Founding Member of the Young Directors Committee, 2023 - 2024Christchurch Women’s Centre
Treasurer and board member, 2020 - 2022 -
RobinsonHewitt Consulting - Founder
2025NZTech Group - Executive Director
BlockchainNZ | EdTechNZ | IoT Alliance | LocationTech
2021 - 2024MeterMe - Co-Founder and Director
2019 - 2021Auckland War Memorial Museum - Visitor Host
2015 - 2016Dunedin Chinese Gardens - Visitor Host
2013 - 2014 -
Certificate in Project Management
Ara Institute of Canterbury, 2021
Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals
BerkeleyX, 2018
Master of Teaching and Learning
Distinction, endorsed in secondary education
University of Canterbury, 2017Bachelor of Arts
Anthropology, classical studies, and art history
University of Otago, 2011-2014 -
New Zealand Tech Ambassador
TechStep, 2024
Emerging Director of the Year Award - Finalist
The Institute of Directors, 2023
Alison Mackie is an anthro-tech futurist, professional director, and intuitive from Aotearoa, New Zealand. She founded the environmental tech start-up Meterme in 2019, was an Executive Director at NZTech Alliance, leading several organisations, including BlockchainNZ, EdTechNZ, NZIoTA, and LocationTech from 2021-2024. Alison founded RobinsonHewitt Consulting in 2025.
Alison was named a New Zealand Tech Ambassador by TechStep in 2024, was a founding member of the Institute of Directors Young Directors Committee (2023-2024), and a finalist for the IoD Emerging Director of the Year Award in 2023. Her experience includes Treasurer of the Christchurch Women’s Centre (2020-2022) and board member for the International Development for Young Professionals (2025).
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Classical Studies, and a Master's in Teaching and Learning (Distinction), endorsed in secondary education.
1. Where it sort of began. An awakening and a research paper on corporate America.
During Alison’s undergraduate career at The University of Otago (2011-2014), she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Archaeology and Social Anthropology), Classical Studies, and Art History. Immersed in philosophical theories, new ideas and deep reflection, she began exploring the potential of the mind, intuition, and the ways people perceive and interact with the world. This curiosity led her anthropological research in comparing the corporate world with bipolar disorder. Her findings revealed a pattern: workplaces often mirror the intensity and drive of a manic episode, reject the natural rhythm of the “low” that follows, all causing lasting effects on individuals, organisational culture, and society. Through this work, Alison began to see how understanding human behaviour and patterns could inform leadership, systems, and the way we imagine and design the future.
2. Bringing NZ to Italy. A smart city rebuild and the social impact of technology.
Whilst living in Florence, Italy (2014-2015), she decided to put her mind to use and submit an abstract to the International Association for Impact Assessment conference. She explored the future of smart cities in the context of the Christchurch City Rebuild, stretching her futurist thinking for the first time. On her 22nd birthday, she presented her research and insights on how technology and urban design intersect with social impact to a room full of international experts, marking an early milestone in her journey of blending people, systems, and innovation.
3. The Return to Academics. A master in education and holistic leadership.
After returning home to NZ, Alison enrolled to study for her Master’s in Teaching and Learning at The University of Canterbury. Her research explored how religious or holistic beliefs impact student learning outcomes. She found that teachers and leaders who embrace holistic perspectives not only support better academic outcomes but also foster greater well-being and happiness in their classrooms. Students from all backgrounds benefited when guided by educators who integrated spiritual or holistic values into their approach. Read the published literature review here.
4. Bedridden, a kitchen table, and new technology.
A ruptured ovarian cyst led to Alison being bedridden for several months after graduating from her Master’s. During this time, she spent her days sitting at the kitchen table, watching environmental documentaries and thinking up how technology could solve the world’s problems. This is what led to her developing a smart water metering and decentralised water ledger system, known as Meterme. Here, she became fascinated with the potential of technology and how her knowledge of people could make tech for good. This then led to her presenting on the future of water and technology at the International Water Association conference in Hong Kong in 2019.
5. The lost years. Intuitive training and predicting patterns.
During the pandemic, Alison was motivated to move to Auckland to begin a new chapter. While much of the world was isolating, she worked with holistic teachers to develop intuitive techniques that enhanced her strategic planning, decision-making, and futurist thinking. She practised these skills in real time, tracking public-health briefings, leadership responses, and the deployment of technology during the crisis, using these techniques to accurately project both COVID-19 case numbers and the likely next moves of decision-makers. Through this, she learned how patterns of behaviour, leadership approaches, and scientific evidence could be used together to anticipate strategies and long-term impacts. During this period, she also began her governance journey as Treasurer and Board Member of the Christchurch Women’s Centre.
6. The dive into corporate life and “The Tech Darling”.
To bring her vision to life, Alison knew she needed to leave the comfort of a smaller, more insulated life and gain real-world experience, so she made her move back to Auckland. She sought a role that would provide the skills, access, and perspective necessary to pursue her bigger dreams and ambitions. See below for some of her work.
During this time, she absorbed insights from the founders, leaders, politicians, and CEOs she worked with and advised. She was testing her theory that those drawn to innovate and bring new ideas to life are naturally attuned to something beyond the visible. Her theories proved accurate; they just needed a little assistance.
This is where all the stepping stones of her journey fell into place, and she took the first leap into the founder’s journey.
From The Vault
Webinars and conferences
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![Close-up of illuminated neural network or electric circuit with glowing blue and red lines]()
The Digital Pulse: IoT and Transforming Healthcare
The rapid progress of IoT and AI is reshaping various sectors and our daily lives. Healthcare is showing potential with wearable devices transforming both medical settings and everyday life.
During this online session, we explore how wearable devices are enhancing healthcare by making it more efficient, accessible and personalised.
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![A businessman in a suit and carrying a briefcase pushes a large Bitcoin coin up a rising red arrow graph, symbolizing cryptocurrency growth and financial success, with a digital financial data background.]()
Inquiry into Cryptocurrencies - Recommendations and Current Updates
Insights into the recommendations from the recently released report by the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the current and future nature, impact, and risks of cryptocurrencies. Key industry leaders and independent advisors on the report, Jeremy Muir and Alex Sims, share their insights into the recommendations presented in the report.
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![Futuristic digital cityscape with glowing blue and gold lines forming buildings and infrastructure.]()
Next Tech Frontier: Exploring IoT and Multi-Modal Generative AI
Alison facilitates a discussion with an esteemed panel of industry experts and thought leaders to dissect the fascinating interplay between IoT devices and multi-modal generative AI.
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![Graphic poster for Blockchain Week 2023 with event dates June 26th to 30th, featuring moderator Alison Mackie and speakers Rahul Advani, Angela Ang, and Manan Vora, discussing blockchain compliance and regulation in Asia Pacific.]()
Strategies and Best Practices for Compliance, Regulation, and Risk Management
Blockchain Week Australia: Alison moderates a panel with industry experts to discuss best practices for blockchain compliance, regulation, and risk management within APAC region and globally.
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![A person’s hand reaching out to touch a virtual holographic interface with digital network graphics]()
Connected Ako: Digital Strategy Refresh
EdTechNZ in partnership with the Ministry of Education, showcase the launch of the highly anticipated digital strategy refresh, Connected Ako: Digital and Data for Learning.
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![Pixelated Picasso's 'Girl Before a Mirror' painting.]()
From Paint To Pixels: The History and Future of Art
TechweekTV: Are NFTs creating a new art movement, or are they just pixels on a screen? Featuring two of my favourite people - Scott Lawrie and James Cochrane
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![Promotional graphic for techweekTV featuring a digital, pixelated face with colorful, fragmented details on a dark background, with event date and topic information.]()
A New Digital Era of Education: Latest EdTechNZ Insights
TechweekTV: Unlock the potential of edtech at the EdTechNZ TechWeekTV session on ‘A New Digital Era of Education’ with Frances Valintine and Alison Mackie.
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![Satellite view of a mountainous region with a winding river, colorful terrain indicating elevation changes, and patches of green vegetation.]()
Mapping the Future: Location Tech and Climate Change
TechweekTV: Discover the future of climate change with the power of location technology!
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![Event poster for Digital Nation 2023 by Tech Alliance with the theme 'Shaping Our Tomorrow, Today,' featuring a colorful, spiral-shaped graphic background.]()
Digital Nation 2023 - Shaping Our Tomorrow, Today
NZTech launches Techweek23 at Google! We examined the current state of New Zealand’s digital transformation and explore challenges and opportunities for the future with special guest Minister Ginny Andersen.
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![Blue digital background with interconnected lines and dots, featuring text about the Reserve Bank of NZ issuing a paper response on the future of money, with logos for 'See Tomorrow First' and 'Tech Alliance'.]()
The Future of Money - Private Innovation
BlockchainNZ presents its response to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Future of Money: Private Innovation Issues Paper.
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![Digital poster for Blockchain Australia Security Summit on March 20, 2023, featuring speakers Christopher Pavlesic, Mahin Gupta, Danielle Gerace, Jordan Forsman, and moderator Alison Mackie, with a blue background and network graphic design.]()
Custody 1.0 to 3.0: Navigating Digital Asset Security Solutions
Alison Mackie moderates a panel discussion at the Blockchain Australia Security Summit.
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![Three people sitting on a stage in front of a blue curtain during a panel discussion or conference.]()
A commentary on innovation in money and financial services
Alison Mackie moderates a fireside chat with Jerome Faury (Immersve) and Sorel Carr (BNZ) at the FinTech Hui Taumata.
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Artificial intelligence and the impact on education
Hear the views of AI and education experts and be part of the discussion on how we can navigate this new era of education.
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![Slide presentation title slide for 'The Ledger of Things' webinar by Blockchain NZ and New Zealand IoT Alliance, featuring blockchain and IoT logos on a dark blue background.]()
Ledger of Things Volume One Webinar
The NZ IoT Alliance and BlockchainNZ Working Group, 'The Ledger of Things' present their first volume on energy, water, and supply chain logistics.
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![Event poster for a blockchain and NFT community event on Thursday, November 24th at 1:30 pm in the IYKYK Room. Includes photos and names of four speakers: James Rowdy, Alison Mackie, Mark Monfort, and Amy-Rose Goodey, with their titles and affiliations. The background features pastel colors, a unicorn graphic, and a hashtag #nftfest2022.]()
Building Community Block By Block
NFT Fest 2022, Melbourne: The importance of community Building in the blockchain space.
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![Colorful digital art background with a gradient of green, orange, and pink hues, featuring the words 'Crypto Girls' and 'NFT' in large pink and purple text, along with the phrase 'crypto girls' in small black text repeated in a curved line.]()
Crypto girls podcast with Alison Mackie
#1: Alison Mackie on blockchain learning & unlearning, female leadership, arts degrees, and the realities of working in tech.
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![Presentation slide with title 'Stigma Statistics.' and subtitle 'Hope Upstream Charitable Trust.' The slide includes event details for an IoT and Location Tech Lunch on August 17, 2022, by Matthew Steans, with contact info and website. The slide features a blue background, bold blue and black text, and a white circular logo with the text 'we are a Safer & Supported workplace.']()
IoT and location technology supporting mental health
Matthew Steans, founder of Stigma Statistics, is determined to do something about the pain and suffering associated with mental health. He's decided the best way to do this is through data and technology.
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![A woman with blonde hair holding a sign with three large white question marks on a dark background, partially hiding her face. The right side of the image contains text that says "Connect Event," with "Presented by: techwomen" underneath.]()
Identity fluctuation in the technology workplace
Identity plays a big part in who we are in the workplace. Our age, our ethnicity, our life experiences and life events. What grit and grace does it take to keep hold of your workplace identity? Watch this TechWomen webinar on a range of identities in the technology workplace.
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![A woman with long dark hair, blue eyes, and a smile, sitting indoors near a window with white walls and furniture in the background.]()
A chat with Alison Mackie and Sean Au
A chat with Sean Au and Alison Mackie about BlockchainNZ, what we do at NZTech, and the future of blockchain.
Media and appearances
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Oral Presentation to the Justice Committee
Speaking to the Justice Committee at Parliament on the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill.
March 2025
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![A person holding onto a bright red wooden ladder outdoors, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.]()
NZ missing real growth opportunities – BlockchainNZ
In the wake of an inquiry into the future nature, impact and risks of cryptocurrencies by a select committee, industry body BlockchainNZ says New Zealand must seize the transformative opportunities blockchain technologies offer.
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![Abstract digital art featuring a spiral pattern of colorful, geometric squares and rectangles over a blue and teal background.]()
BlockchainNZ challenges Reserve Bank’s ‘oxymoron’ stablecoin claim
BlockchainNZ challenges the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) assertion that stablecoins are ‘oxymorons’, emphasising the transformative potential of blockchain technology for our economy,
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![Open magazine or booklet page featuring Alison Mackie's Regulatory Update article, with a photo of a smiling woman in business casual attire, background of a minimalist interior with a plant.]()
Digital Asset Investor Magazine - Regulatory Update
My regulatory update in the Digital Asset Investor Magazine. This quarter we cover private innovation in money with stablecoins and the emergence of CBDCs.
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![Two women engaged in conversation on a TV talk show set, sitting on a cream-colored couch with a glass coffee table in front. One woman in a green blouse and blue pants gesturing with hands, the other woman in a gray blazer and black pants smiling. A laptop and a glass of water are on the table. A colorful abstract digital background is behind them, and a news ticker runs along the bottom of the screen.]()
Budget Day and Techweek23 - Breakfast Interview
Speaking on Breakfast about encouraging young girls and Maori to get into tech, the Digital ITP, and technologies role within our Government’s Budget.
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![Business meeting with digital icons overlay. Various icons depict targets, bar charts, gears, a person presenting, and group collaboration on a computer in an office setting.]()
New Zealand education missing out on local tech innovation
Questions are being asked about the opportunities and the risks of using new digital technologies in our education system. But what is not being asked is why is it so hard for New Zealand technology companies to engage with the New Zealand education system?
May 2023
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![Close-up of water ripples with a single droplet causing concentric circles on the surface.]()
Water, water everywhere now is the time for technology
Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Aotearoa will cope more efficiently with torrential weather such as record rainfall if it embraces technology faster.
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![Two women sitting on a light-colored sofa during a TV talk show, with a graphic background of abstract shapes in pink, orange, and black. One woman is gesturing with her hands while speaking, and the other is smiling and listening. There are coffee cups and a laptop on the table in front of them. The screen displays a banner with text about parenting and technology.]()
How to trust our kids with technology - Breakfast Interview
Speaking on Breakfast about how to trust our kids with technology.
February 2023
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![Close-up of a computer screen displaying the word 'Security' with a shield icon and a cursor hand pointing to it.]()
Bigger, growing organisations 'likely to be targeted by attacks'
An unfortunate side-effect of a technology or a product becoming successful in today’s world are the cyberattacks that follow.
September 2022
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![Aerial view of a city skyline with a large river running through a park in the foreground under a cloudy sky.]()
IoT tech allowing a more sustainable NZ
Simple, uncomplicated pieces of technology, connected together via the internet is creating a vast Internet of Things across Aotearoa that will help Kiwis respond better to climate challenges and improve business productivity.
November 2022
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![Three people in a radio studio with microphones, headphones, and laptops engaged in a discussion, with one standing and two seated.]()
What is TechWeek?
Speaking with Tova on the Today show about What is TechWeek?
May 2022
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![A woman being interviewed on live television in Auckland, holding a pink microphone with 'breakfast' written on it, with a mechanical guitar art piece on the wall behind her.]()
Breakfast speaks to TechWeek
Alison Mackie speaks with Jessica Morris about TechWeek22 on Breakfast.
May 2022
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![A person sitting at a wooden table using a smartphone with a laptop and a closed notebook nearby.]()
Researcher concerned at 'ambiguous' tech company terms
Experts are concerned ambiguous terms and conditions on digital platforms are being used to exploit consumers.
May 2022
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![Modern glass building with sunlight reflecting off the windows and a clear blue sky]()
Building sustainable cities critical for NZ's future
Alison Mackie, Executive Director of LocationTechNZ, says new location-based technologies like digital twins will be key to helping New Zealand towns, big and small, deal with problems like traffic congestion, resource management, and air pollution.
May 2022
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![Coins and a microSD card representing various digital currencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and a Bitcoin-themed token.]()
Can crypto be used for good?
There's a narrative that blockchain is a cash grab. Mackie sees regulation and education around how these technologies work as essential to change this.
December 2021
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![A silver Bitcoin coin leaning against a piece of textured, dark bark on a wooden surface, with a blurred green background.]()
Blockchain a key to sustainable green tech economy
Blockchain is fast growing into a mature technology that is touching many parts of the global economy, but still fresh to New Zealand.
October 2021
Research, submissions, whitepapers
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![Black background with white text and logos for EdTechNZ, Think New, and Education New Zealand, announcing EdTechNZ Founders Day on August 4-5, 2023, in Wellington.]()
EdTechNZ Founders Day Report
Founders Day, a two-day unconference hosted in Wellington on 4-5 August 2023, served as an invaluable setting for leaders in the EdTech sector.
Hosted by EdTechNZ and supported by Education New Zealand and AWS, the unconference provided a unique platform for EdTech founders to share invaluable insights, discuss shared challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities.
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![Cover slide of EdTechNZ Annual Survey presentation featuring the EdTechNZ logo, title, and supporting organizations.]()
EdTechNZ Annual Survey Report
This report presents the findings of the 2023 EdTechNZ Annual Survey conducted among 60+ EdTech companies in Aotearoa.
The objective of the survey is to gauge the landscape of the EdTech industry, covering facets such as location, employee count, revenue streams, export statistics, and market focus.
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![Multiple white blockchain-themed coins with embossed symbols including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrency icons.]()
Debanking and its Implications for Aotearoa New Zealand’s Web3 Ecosystem
Published by Web3NZ and supported by BlockchainNZ, this study explores debanking challenges in New Zealand’s business landscape.
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![A presentation slide titled 'New Zealand's Digital Future 2023 Manifesto' with the EdTech New Zealand logo in front of snow-covered mountains.]()
EdTechNZ Manifesto 2023
EdTechNZ supports the NZTech Manifesto, which outlines specific areas the Government should focus on to enable and grow Aotearoa as a Digital Nation. These actions are aligned with the Digital Tech ITP.
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![Cover image for New Zealand's Digital Future 2023 manifesto, featuring the New Zealand IoT Alliance logo and a superimposed image of a person's face with glasses, cityscape, and digital connections.]()
NZ IoT Alliance Manifesto 2023
The IoT Alliance supports the NZTech Manifesto, which outlines specific areas the Government should focus on to enable and grow Aotearoa as a Digital Nation. These actions are aligned with the Digital Tech ITP.
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![Cover page of Blockchain NZ 2023 manifesto titled "New Zealand's Digital Future" with a purple background and abstract geometric design.]()
BlockchainNZ Manifesto 2023
BlockchainNZ supports the NZTech Manifesto, which outlines specific areas the Government should focus on to enable and grow Aotearoa as a Digital Nation. These actions are aligned with the Digital Tech ITP.
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![Coins stacked with soil and small green plants growing from them, symbolizing money growth or investing.]()
Future of Money – Private Innovation Response to the Reserve Bank
In response to the Future of Money issues paper, BlockchainNZ are pleased that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand are considering and exploring new forms of money, the opportunities and risks, as well as regulatory responses required with private innovation with money.
Submitted April 2023
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![Water is being poured into a clear glass, creating ripples and bubbles, with water droplets on the surface below against a blue background.]()
Water Services Legislation Bill Submission
NZ IoT Alliance thanks the Finance and Expenditure Committee for the opportunity to submit on the Water Services Legislation Bill. This submission is in response to section 389 and the power for the Chief Executive to authorise persons to read water meters, and to bring forth consideration to emerging technology and the implementation of a data strategy.
Submitted, February 2023
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Ledger of Things Whitepaper, Volume One
Both NZ IoT Alliance and BlockchainNZ have come together to collaborate on a whitepaper series called 'The Ledger of Things' to help bring understanding of how these two technologies can work together in a range of use cases. This first volume showcases the real-use cases of energy, water, and supply chain logistics.
Published, October 2022
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Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan Submission
NZ IoT Alliance thanks the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for the opportunity to submit on the Advanced Manufacturing Draft Industry Transformation Plan. This submission is in response to increasing investment in advanced technologies and processes to lift productivity and wages, as well as creating a leading sustainable circular net-zero emissions sector.
Submitted, June 2022.
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Civil Aviation Bill Submission
LocationTech thanks the Transport and Infrastructure Committee for the opportunity to submit on the proposed Civil Aviation Bill. This submission is in response to sections on regulations and policy changes for remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft, and airport regulations.
Submitted, December 2021.
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AML/CFT Submission To The Ministry of Justice
BlockchainNZ thanks the Ministry of Justice for the opportunity to submit on its review of the AML/CFT Act consultation document. This submission is in response to sections relating to regulations and obligations of virtual asset service providers.
Submitted, December 2021.
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CBDC Submission To The Reserve Bank
BlockchainNZ presents this submission to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) in respect of the RBNZ's consultation on its issues paper on the Future of Money - Central Bank Digital Currency (issues paper).
Submitted, December 2021.
