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It reads faster than us, it counts faster than us, it never sleeps; never eats, and in the very best science fiction moves, it is always … ALWAYS coming for us. It’s Artificial Intelligence, and when you look at it like this, it’s pretty terrifying. But what if AI helps US to read faster, helps US to count faster, helps US to sleep more, to eat more, to be healthier, happier and is always, ALWAYS there for us when WE need it. And what if all we have to do to make this blissful scenario a reality is to be bold enough to embrace, understand and program the technology that drives AI; and by doing so, amplify our capability for good deeds and positive social impact far beyond anything we could ever have imagined.Posted on 14/06/2019 by -
Transform 2019 Conference keynote speaker Alecia Hancock is all set to bring her super charged ‘change the world’ vision and go-ahead strategies to the Waipuna Hotel in Auckland on Friday 16 August. A highly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur in her own right, Hancock knows that significant and sustainable impact comes only with solid foundations – a message that she will be passionately conveying to scores of New Zealand non-profits at the annual TechSoup New Zealand event. While cause-based organisations have some of the greatest motivations - and sound goals – Transform2019nz will tackle head-on a number of the ‘wicked’ problems facing the New Zealand Charitable sector, offering technology solutions complemented by strategic solutions designed specifically for the sector by people who understand it.Posted on 11/06/2019 by
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One of IBM Watson’s leading artificial intelligence experts and an internationally regarded social media strategist are among the speakers confirmed for this year’s TechSoup New Zealand #Transform2019nz Conference in Auckland. Gus Quiroga, from IBM Watson, and Alecia Hancock, from Hancock Creative, join IT Strategist David McLean, from Infoxchange, Kiwi social media guru Pauline Stockhausen, and Communications and Evaluation Strategist Kate Sunners, from Strategic Grants, for the two-day event on August 15-16. Taking place at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, the annual two-day TechSoup New Zealand Conference will this year focus on the strategies, technologies and tools available to help Kiwi non-profits and charities transform how they work to achieve maximum impact.Posted on 29/05/2019 by
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Early bird discount is still available for the TechSoup New Zealand 'Transform' Conference at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland. This 2019 conference, on August 15 and 16, is being designed to inspire and empower non-profits and charities to transform their organisations through technology and 21st century best-practice to fulfil their missions.Posted on 22/05/2019 by
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TechSoup New Zealand (a program of Connecting Up) and Infoxchange are joining forces to create Australia and New Zealand’s leading not-for-profit dedicated to using technology to improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage and the organisations that support them. L to R: David Spriggs, CEO of Infoxchange; Sandra Vallance, Acting CEO of TechSoup New Zealand (Connecting Up Inc) TechSoup New Zealand’s Board Chair Susan Arthure says Infoxchange and TechSoup New Zealand already enjoy a close working relationship and have collaborated in a number of areas over the last several years. “We’re delighted to be joining together, and we’re excited by this opportunity to work together to expand our reach and support of the sector,” says Susan.Posted on 27/11/2018 by
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Every year on the Thai-Myanmar border eighty nervous young scholars gather for one of the world’s most inspiring graduation ceremonies. As they wait quietly to take the stage, watched by emotional, moist-eyed parents who comprehend the enormity of their achievement more than they will for some years to come, the group of young Karen refugees could be any class, anywhere. But their graduation ceremony, in the sprawling Mae La refugee camp in Thailand, is one of the greatest examples of the triumph of the human spirit you are every likely to hear about. As they accept their certificates, this special group of graduands are a beacon of hope for more than 45,000 of their fellow refugees; a shining example of what can be achieved even by stateless young people who have never known life beyond a refugee camp.Posted on 27/09/2018 by
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“I could not believe the presenter was looking at our actual Facebook page. She looked at around 10 organisations’ pages and gave expert advice on each of them. It was great to see the different things other people are doing and I was also able to use some of the advice she gave to the others.” Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand’s Rebecca Hawkins’ excitement shines through when she talks about what she has learned during TechSoup New Zealand and Connecting Up’s recent “Facebook LIVE Feedback” webinar. Having also touched on everything from how to choose a CRM to how to create compelling digital storytelling, it’s just one of several courses she has completed with TechSoup New Zealand and Connecting Up. “I found the Facebook Live webinar particularly useful,” she says. “I went to a social media master class at the TechSoup New Zealand Conference last year that was given by the same presenter, Kirsty Wallett, so I already had confidence that she knew her stuff.Posted on 17/08/2018 by
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“I would highly recommend any charity doing an IT strategy to get in touch with TechSoup New Zealand. We had been looking at band aids and were struggling to find a long-term solution to our IT problems, but In a year’s time we will be in a totally different position.” Multiple Sclerosis Auckland Business Manager Mark Blackie doesn’t mince his words when asked how useful he found TechSoup New Zealand’s IT Strategy on a Plate program. “The facilitator, Sandra, was amazing and went above and beyond what we could ever have expected from a private consultant,” he adds. “The big difference now is that we actually have a plan and are moving forward with it. Long term this will mean greater efficiencies and services and overall better support for people with Multiple Sclerosis.”Posted on 13/08/2018 by
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“It’s a bit like health and safety. If you don’t invest in it then it will hurt you more in the long run.” Graeme Dingle Foundation Head of Operational Strategy and Relationships John Holley cuts straight to the chase when asked about the importance of technology for not-for-profits. “Some people think it’s a choice between helping people or using technology. It’s not one or the other, it has to be both,” he continues. "The right technology makes us robust and efficient and the solutions we receive through TechSoup New Zealand mean that instead of spending large amounts of money on technology, we can spend it on programs with a transformational impact on young New Zealanders,” Speaking from his organisation’s head office in Auckland, Holley’s IT expertise shows through as he describes how donated and discounted technology through TechSoup New Zealand helps the Dingle Foundation change the lives of thousands of young disadvantaged Kiwis.Posted on 30/07/2018 by