Technology
'AI illiterate' NZ at risk of being left behind, expert says
A new $3.5 billion data centre that will be built near Invercargill is being touted as the country's first "artificial intelligence factory" - but will Kiwis get the most out of it?
X offers changes to blue checkmarks
Elon Musk's social media platform has offered to make changes to its blue checkmark for "verified" accounts, after it received a 120-million-euro fine for its "deceptive design".
Massive AI factory could impact sea life, cultural values
Datagrid announced it had gained full resource consent meaning it was one step closer to constructing an AI factory in Makarewa.
A new survey shows we're losing faith in the internet
Earlier this week we saw a headline that piqued our interest, it said New Zealand is losing faith in the internet. The Newsroom article is based on a survey by InternetNZ which showed that one in five… Audio
Meta's Moltbook gamble looks a lot like bubble behaviour
Meta's decision to buy Moltbook represents: a speculative bet on a novel technology with no demonstrated utility for humans, writes CNN's Allison Morrow.
Expert recommends AI becomes a baseline skill for all Kiwis
A leading IT services company says AI should be a baseline skill for every New Zealander but it warns many in the workplace aren't getting the grounding they need. Datacom company director of AI Lou… Audio
Tech: Microsoft sides with Anthropic
Technology commentator Peter Griffin talks about Microsoft's siding with Anthropic amid its battle with the Pentagon. Audio
AI company Anthropic expands to Australasia
The US company is in the midst of suing the US government over its retaliation for a dispute about safeguards in its AI technology.
Computer made of human brain cells taught to play 'Doom'
Cortical Labs says the "biological computer" was learning and this was a step closer to real-world uses. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 11 March 2026
US media report Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and despite Donald Trump saying the vessels were destroyed we ask Trade Minister Todd McClay what it could mean for global trade; An expat… Audio
Oxford professor's AI disaster warning
Professor Michael Wooldridge says AI is prone to swinging from highly accurate to completely fabricated in its answers. Audio
AI tools being used in Iran conflict
Artificial Intelligence tools are being used in the Iran conflict, changing the face of how wars are fought. Kiwi Sean Gourley, founder of San Francisco-based AI company Primer, spoke to Ingrid… Audio
US military, FAA plan joint drone-killing laser test
The trial at White Sands Missile Range follows controversy over military laser use near the US border. Audio
Bunnings to trial facial recognition tech in Hamilton stores
Bunnings Warehouse is to introduce facial recognition technology, citing problems caused by repeat offenders threatening staff and customers.
Amnesty backs select committee on social media rules for U16s
A select committee has released its report after an inquiry into social media harm for young people. Audio
Minister Shane Reti attends AI Impact Summit in India
Science, Innovation and Technology, and Universities Minister Shane Reti spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss following his return from an AI Impact Summit in India. Audio
Taupo pharmacy’s new AI robot staff member
Taupo pharmacist Ayman Ibousi's latest employee has sent efficiency through the roof and never calls in sick. The custom-made dispensing robot has been shipped in from Germany and is the first of its… Audio
Final report into online harm released
Parliament's Education and Workforce Committee has released its final report on the inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online. National's committee lead on the inquiry Carl Bates… Audio
Wide parliamentary support for under 16s social media ban
A select committe has back the idea of a social media ban for under-16s, one submitter was Smartphone free childhood New Zealand. Melissa talks with Katrina Colombie. Audio
Tech: What is AI's role in the current conflict in Iran?
Tech correspondent Marc Pesce breaks down the conflict between the Pentagon and Anthropic - the maker of AI bot Claude. Audio
