Latest News

Read our latest newsletter

Community Events

Technology Breakfast at Hope Cafe

Manawatū IT People | Meetup

2026-05-14 07:30

Regular IT meetup breakfast. Come along and have a chat with some of the local IT people, from time to time we have a guest to talk on a particular topic or if you have something you would like to share please let us know. The awesome team at Hope Cafe open specially for us and ask if you could pre-order your breakfast [https://www.hopevineyard.nz/cafe](https://www.hopevineyard.nz/cafe/) this way they can start the prep. Please mark yourself as attending here on meetup.com as well as we need 4 confirmed for the cafe to open.

156 The Square

More Info & registration

AI Café for Business — Drop In, Get Curious, Leave Smarter – Monday

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-18 09:00

AI Café is a relaxed, no-pressure drop-in session where local experts sit down with you — over a decent coffee — and show you what AI can actually do for your business. No jargon. No hard sell. No death by PowerPoint. Just real, practical conversations tailored to you.You don't need to know anything about AI to walk through the door. That's the whole point.Whether you've never touched an AI tool in your life or you're already dabbling and want to go further, there's something here for you.What's on offer:1-on-1 coaching with local AI expertsHands-on demonstrations of tools you can use right nowPractical tips for your specific business or roleA chance to ask all the questions you haveRunning across two sessions as part of TechWeek 2026, AI Café is designed to meet Palmerston North businesses where they are — and help them take one step forward.Free. No ticket needed. Just come in, but please RSVP so we know how many people to expect.Drop in anytime between 9am and 12pm on either day. Stay for 20 minutes or two hours — it's entirely up to you.

Hope Kitchen Cafe – 156 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

TechWeek 26 Quiz

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-18 17:30

Kick off TechWeek 2026 the right way — with a cold drink, good food, and a serious battle of brains.Back by popular demand after last year's sellout, the TechWeek Quiz Night is bigger this year, opening its doors to the wider Palmerston North business community. Tech heads and non-tech folk welcome — this one's for everyone.You'll be mixed into teams on the night, so come ready to make new connections across the business community while you compete across tech and general knowledge rounds.What's included:A couple of drinks and food on arrivalMixed team draw across all businessesTech and non-tech questionsA prize for the winning teamThe satisfaction of knowing your koha is going somewhere that genuinely mattersTickets are koha — every dollar raised goes directly toward a medical robot for Palmerston North Hospital.Spots are limited. Last year sold out. Grab yours now.Kick off Techweek with a Pub Quiz!Join ManawaTech and CEDA at Brew Union for a fun night of trivia, food, and drinks.🕠 Doors open from 5:30pm🧠 Quiz starts at 6:00pm sharp🍽 Food and drinks providedRegister as a group or as an individual — we’ve only got space for 15 teams, so get in quick! Note: Even when registering as a team you'll be mixed up on the evening.

Brew Union Brewing Co – 41 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

E-Waste Drop-Off — TechWeek 26

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-19 09:00

Got old laptops, monitors, keyboards, cables, or hard drives gathering dust? TechWeek is your chance to clear the IT cabinet and do it responsibly.ManawaTech has partnered with e-cycle and Digits Charitable Trust to bring two drop-off events during TechWeek. Whether you're a business with a backlog of retired hardware, or an individual with a pile of old tech, we've made it easy to do the right thing.At each drop-off event you can:Hand in e-waste for responsible recycling — discounted rates apply, some items accepted free of chargeDonate working peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables) which will be tested and redistributed to people in need through Digits Charitable TrustMeet the e-cycle team and ask questions about responsible IT disposalBusinesses: We can invoice you directly — no need to bring a credit card. This is the perfect opportunity to clear old stock and reclaim that cupboard space.Drop-off event details:📅 Venue 1: Mitre10 Mega, Tue 19th May 2026, 9am-12pm📅 Venue 2: Bunnings, Thu, 21 May, 9am – 12pmThis is a free event to attend. E-waste disposal fees apply.Registration is not required but helps us plan numbers.

Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North – 250/270 Featherston Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

What's Left for Me? Humans in the Age of AI

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-19 12:00

Last year, we had a sellout ManawaTech's AI at Work event. The conversation hasn't stopped since.AI has moved fast in the past twelve months — into our inboxes, our workflows, our industries, and our job descriptions. And with that shift has come a question a lot of people are asking quietly: What does this mean for me? Not in an abstract, dystopian sense. In a practical, Tuesday-morning sense.This TechWeek, ManawaTech returns to Massey University for a panel event that takes that question seriously. We've brought together people working at the intersection of technology and human work to share what they're seeing on the ground, what they believe still matters, and what they think comes next.This isn't a debate about whether AI is good or bad. It's an honest conversation about where we go from here.Panelists:Simon Swaine – Cloud Architect & Speaker with decades of experienceAmelia Harris – Lawyer working in Data Privacy and SecurityClaude Antropic – One of the leading AI modelsPanelist 4 – TBCThere will be pizza provided.Who should come:Business owners and leaders thinking about their workforce and operationsStudents and graduates entering a rapidly changing job marketTech professionals navigating what their roles are becomingAnyone who wants a grounded, no-hype take on a topic that affects all of usFormat: Panel discussion followed by open audience Q&A. Come with questions — the best part of last year was the conversation in the room.

Massey University Library | Te Putanga Ki Te Ao Mātauranga – Library Road, Massey University, Turitea 4474, New Zealand

More Info & registration

Simple Practical AI Automations Real businesses. Real tools. Real results.

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-20 11:30

Curious about AI and how it could be used in your business? This event is for you.Three local tech firms will each take 15 minutes to walk you through an AI automation they've actually implemented — what it does, give you ideas of how it could be used in your business.Whether you're looking to save time, reduce repetitive tasks, or just get a feel for what's possible without a big investment, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can act on straight away.What to expect:Three 15-minute presentations from local businesses, each covering a real AI automation in use — followed by time to ask questions and connect with the presenters and other attendees.Who is this for?Local business owners, managers, and team leaders who want to understand how AI can work for them in a practical, down-to-earth way. No technical background required.Why come?Because the best way to learn what's possible is to hear it from someone who's already done it — not a tech company trying to sell you something. 

Hancock Community House – 77-85 King Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

Security as an Enabler: From Roadblock to Strategic Asset

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-20 13:00

Security shouldn’t be the “Ministry of No.” It should be the engine that enables safe, smart progress.This talk explores Yorb’s own journey from blocking to guiding, sharing the real lessons, mistakes, and wins that shifted us from rigid control to risk-based decisions, and from policy for policy’s sake to practical guardrails that help the business move faster with confidence.It’s a candid look at how security and governance can evolve from roadblocks into strategic enablers.“If security is always saying no, it’s not governance, it’s misalignment.”This event is part of TechWeek and run by Yorb.

Yorb – 40 King Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

E-Waste Drop-Off – Thursday — TechWeek 26

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-21 09:00

Got old laptops, monitors, keyboards, cables, or hard drives gathering dust? TechWeek is your chance to clear the IT cabinet and do it responsibly.ManawaTech has partnered with e-cycle and Digits Charitable Trust to bring two drop-off events during TechWeek. Whether you're a business with a backlog of retired hardware, or an individual with a pile of old tech, we've made it easy to do the right thing.At each drop-off event you can:Hand in e-waste for responsible recycling — discounted rates apply, some items accepted free of chargeDonate working peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables) which will be tested and redistributed to people in need through Digits Charitable TrustMeet the e-cycle team and ask questions about responsible IT disposalBusinesses: We can invoice you directly — no need to bring a credit card. This is the perfect opportunity to clear old stock and reclaim that cupboard space.Drop-off event details:📅 Venue 1: Mitre10 Mega, Tue 19th May 2026, 9am-12pm📅 Venue 2: Bunnings, Thu, 21 May, 9am – 12pmThis is a free event to attend. E-waste disposal fees apply.Registration is not required but helps us plan numbers.

–

More Info & registration

Ethics in the Digital Age

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-21 17:30

Technology is moving faster than the rules that govern it. AI is making decisions that affect people's lives. Data is being collected, shared, and used in ways most of us never agreed to. And the line between what's possible and what's right has never been blurrier.These aren't just questions for tech companies and policymakers. They're questions for all of us — as business owners, employees, consumers, and citizens.Ethics in the Digital Age is a facilitated discussion led by Sherryn Irvine a lecturer in this field, who will guide us through the big questions shaping our digital world and what they mean for how we work and live.What we'll explore:Who is responsible when AI gets it wrong? What does ethical data use actually look like in practice? How do we balance innovation with the rights of individuals? What role do businesses — including small ones — play in shaping a more ethical digital world?What kind of event is this?This isn't a lecture where you sit and listen. It's a guided conversation where your perspective is part of the discussion. Expect to think, question, and maybe leave with more questions than you arrived with.Who is this for?Anyone who uses technology in their work or personal life and wants to engage seriously with the ethical questions it raises. No technical background needed — just curiosity and a willingness to engage.Entrance is via the main doors on Princess St.

UCOL (Manawatu Campus) – 18 Princess Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

More Info & registration

Doing Business with AI

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-22 10:30

AI isn't coming — it's already here, and it's changing how we work, how we sell, and how we make decisions.Join us for Doing Business with AI, a two-part facilitated discussion and sharing session for our members and invited guests. This isn't a lecture or a product demo — it's a genuine conversation about what's working, what isn't, and what it all means for our industry.Across two streams, we'll explore AI from two angles:Stream 1 — The Business Perspective How is AI reshaping the way we operate? We'll discuss real experiences around productivity, decision-making, client relationships, and staying competitive in a rapidly shifting landscape.Stream 2 — The Technical Perspective What's actually under the hood? We'll look at the tools and technologies driving change, and what technical considerations matter most for businesses like ours.Whether you're already using AI tools day-to-day or just starting to explore what's possible, your perspective matters here. Come ready to share, listen, and leave with practical insights from people in the same boat.Who should attend? ManawaTech Members and invited guests who want to be part of an honest, informed conversation about AI's role in our industry — at any level of experience.Spaces are limited to keep the conversation focused. Register now to secure your place.

Yorb / Nodero – Yorb / Nodero

More Info & registration

AI Café for Business — Drop In, Get Curious, Leave Smarter – Friday

ManawaTech Events

2026-05-22 11:00

AI Café is a relaxed, no-pressure drop-in session where local experts sit down with you — over a decent coffee — and show you what AI can actually do for your business. No jargon. No hard sell. No death by PowerPoint. Just real, practical conversations tailored to you.You don't need to know anything about AI to walk through the door. That's the whole point.Whether you've never touched an AI tool in your life or you're already dabbling and want to go further, there's something here for you.What's on offer:1-on-1 coaching with local AI expertsHands-on demonstrations of tools you can use right nowPractical tips for your specific business or roleA chance to ask all the questions you haveRunning across two sessions as part of TechWeek 2026, AI Café is designed to meet Palmerston North businesses where they are — and help them take one step forward.Free. No ticket needed. Just come in, but please RSVP so we know how many people to expect.Drop in anytime between 9am and 12pm on either day. Stay for 20 minutes or two hours — it's entirely up to you.

Hope Kitchen Cafe – 156 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

More Info & registration

Ask Dr Vanja: your "meat sack" questions answered

Palmerston North Software Developers | Meetup

2026-05-28 17:30

Vanja is an Urgent Care doctor and General Practitioner who has worked in Palmy for 20+ years. She is amazingly good looking, incredibly talented, and married to Steve (one of these things is not like the others…) Vanja will offer a medical viewpoint on keeping your body ("meat sack") and mind tuned so the code keeps flowing. * Do standing desks really work? * How much exercise is enough? * Is it ok to be a bit on the flabby side? * Is dark mode better for my eyes? * How much is too much caffeine? * How can I keep my mind sharp? (Brain food, mental flexibility) * Does noise cancelling improve focus? * What is "Tech Neck?" * How do I fix my sore wrists/back/head? * How can I reduce my stress level? * I work remote. What physical things can I do to stay mentally healthy? * And more if there is time… There will be time for general questions at the end. This is not a free personal medical consultation: it's general advice for a room full of tech people. If your piles are bugging you, we don't need to know and we definitely don't want to see. Go talk to your regular GP. Thanks to Objective for hosting and sponsoring pizza. Please RSVP so we know how much pizza to buy. We usually walk to Aquaba or Brew Union around 6:30-7pm for the social half of the meeting.

Objective Corporation – Palmerston North Office

More Info & registration

Technology Breakfast at Hope Cafe

Manawatū IT People | Meetup

2026-06-11 07:30

Regular IT meetup breakfast. Come along and have a chat with some of the local IT people, from time to time we have a guest to talk on a particular topic or if you have something you would like to share please let us know. The awesome team at Hope Cafe open specially for us and ask if you could pre-order your breakfast [https://www.hopevineyard.nz/cafe](https://www.hopevineyard.nz/cafe/) this way they can start the prep. Please mark yourself as attending here on meetup.com as well as we need 4 confirmed for the cafe to open.

156 The Square

More Info & registration

What's your reaction to AI?

Palmerston North Software Developers | Meetup

2026-06-25 17:30

This is a “bring your opinion” event. A general discussion led by Tony with occasional snarky comments from Steve Thanks to Objective for hosting and sponsoring pizza. Please RSVP so we know how much pizza to buy. We usually walk to Aquaba or Brew Union around 6:30-7pm for the social half of the meeting.

Objective Corporation – Palmerston North Office

More Info & registration