Rewired Consulting Podcast - Episode 20 - Stephen Aitken

Rewired Consulting Podcast - Episode 20 - Stephen Aitken

We are back after an extended break with our first episode of season three and guest of 2026, Stephen Aitken. Stephen is a technology and business leader with more than 25 years of experience across consulting, digital transformation, data, and AI, including scaling and leading high-growth technology businesses both in New Zealand and internationally. Stephen began his career in technology here in New Zealand before moving to the UK, where he stepped into senior leadership roles and gained international experience that helped shape his career and leadership style. He’s now the founder of Manuka AI, helping Kiwi businesses understand and adopt AI in practical ways as we move into the next phase of rapid AI transformation. In today’s conversation, we’ll talk about Stephen’s early career journey, the lessons from his time in the UK, the vision behind Manuka AI, and how he sees the New Zealand technology industry evolving over the coming years.

Rewired Consulting Podcast - EP19 - Peter Goodman

In our final episode of 2025, we were thrilled to be joined by Peter Goodman, one of New Zealand’s leading engineering executives. With a career spanning several innovative global product companies, Peter now serves as SVP of Engineering at Auror, where he’s helping shape the future of retail crime intelligence. Originally from Derry City in Ireland, it was a real pleasure to have him on the show. In this episode, Peter reflects on his early career, his transition from hands-on technical work into people and organisational leadership, how AI is already transforming productivity in engineering teams, and the emerging roles he expects to rise in prominence in the years ahead.

Rewired Consulting Podcast - EP 18 - Abhishek Bedi

In Episode 18 of the Rewired Consulting Podcast we sat down with Abhishek Bedi. Abhishek is a seasoned technology leader with experience spanning digital platforms, web and mobile development, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. Over the years, he has partnered closely with executive teams to build high-performing groups, identify growth opportunities, and deliver meaningful business outcomes. For the past seven years, Abhishek has been part of one of New Zealand’s most well-known brands — Mitre 10. In his current role as Applications Manager for Digital Channels, he and his team are leading the company’s AI strategy and DevOps transformation, driving Mitre 10’s broader digital evolution and enhancing customer engagement. In this episode, we’re chatting with Abhishek to learn more about his career journey and his path as an entrepreneur, his passion for people leadership, his work in advancing AI adoption, and his perspective on the future of technology in New Zealand.

Rewired Consulting Podcast - EP17 - Anna Cupples

In this episode of the Rewired Consulting Podcast, we are excited to welcome Anna Cupples. Anna is currently the Head of Engineering at Trade Me, one of New Zealand most iconic businesses. More than that she’s also a former triathlete, and an Ironwoman—and she brings that same energy and competitive spirit to the way she leads and grows high-performing teams in tech. In today’s episode, we explore: - Her beginnings and how she found her way into engineering - The incredible opportunity she had to work in the United States with Orion Health, and what it taught her about ambition, perspective, and grit - Her passion for Ironman training and how that endurance mindset shows up in her leadership - And her experience building strong teams, mentoring others, and stepping fully into her role as a leader and culture-shaper This was a great chat, hope you enjoy the show.

Rewired Consulting Podcast - EP 15 - Graeme Jackson

In Episode 15 of the Rewired Consulting Podcast we speak to Graeme Jackson, General Manager of Data and Analytics at Vector, New Zealand’s largest distributor of electricity and gas. Originally from Scotland, Graeme made the move to New Zealand back in 2020. Graeme is an experienced data, analytics and AI expert with significant experience across the energy and utilities sector. Graeme has deep functional and technical expertise in data transformation, data governance and management, advanced analytics, AI and deep learning. As a data veteran Graeme delivers both the technical and non-technical parts to all transformations. Graeme holds a Master of Science from the UCL where he specialised in Machine learning and a Master of Engineering from the University of Strathclyde. We talk to Graeme about his career to date, his passion for Data & Analytics and how it is evolving in NZ, what he sees the future of technology looking like, and the type of work that might become more prevalent as businesses adopt the work of AI.