Back to Our Tech Roots: Reflections from Wellington’s Vibrant Tech Community

Key Takeaways That Hit Home

Here are a few insights that really stood out to me:

Invest in the Next Generation

We need to be intentional about creating pathways for new talent. With the current economic pressures, it’s harder than ever for students and graduates to break into the industry. That’s why initiatives like Summer of Tech are so important. If you have the capacity to mentor, run a workshop, or even just offer a coffee chat—do it. These small actions can have a huge impact on someone’s career journey.

Empathy in the Age of AI

AI is transforming how we work, but it’s not about replacement—it’s about enhancement. The most powerful tech solutions are those that understand human context and are built with empathy. We need to ensure that the tools we create support people in doing what they do best, and that we’re always asking: Who is this for? How will it help?

Diversity and Inclusion Are Essential

New Zealand is a multicultural country, and our workplaces and products should reflect that. Diversity isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a strength. We need to foster environments where people from all backgrounds feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. That means creating space for different perspectives, and ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and conversations.

Scale with Intention

As businesses and tech practices grow, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to scale. But growth should never come at the expense of sustainability or humanity. We need to build systems that are resilient, inclusive, and adaptable, ready to meet demand without burning out the people behind them.

A Celebration of Connection

Beyond the talks and workshops, what made this conference truly memorable was the sense of connection. It was so good to catch up with familiar faces, meet new ones, and have those spontaneous hallway conversations that spark new ideas. The diversity of topics, from burnout and mental health to CI/CD pipelines and security testing, meant there was something for everyone, and every session added a new layer to the collective conversation 

Let’s keep the momentum going.  

Whether it’s mentoring a student, advocating for inclusive practices, or simply showing up and sharing your story, every action helps shape the future of tech in Aotearoa.

Wellington’s tech community is thriving, and I’m proud to be part of it.