Goto Geek NZ

Global Azure Bootcamp 2019 – Wellington – 27 April 2019

What

All around the world user groups and communities want to learn about Azure and Cloud Computing!

Mark Russinovich ready for Global Azure Bootcamp 2019

On April 27, 2019, all communities will come together once again in the sixth great Global Azure Bootcamp event! Each user group will organize their own one day deep dive class on Azure the way they see fit and how it works for their members. The result is that thousands of people get to learn about Azure and join together online under the social hashtag #GlobalAzure!

There are two venues listed for Wellington, each with its own organiser and meetup. It is possible there may be other New Zealand locations announced after this post. Globtal Azure Bootcamp events can be filtered by country and/or searched.

Check out the outcome of last year’s event in this 2018 Global Azure Bootcamp Whitepaper (pdf).

When and Where

27 April 2019

Event organised by Wellington Data Management and Analytics Meetup.
Saturday 27 April 2019 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Unisys New Zealand, 155 The Terrace, Radio NZ House, Wellington.
Meetup event (RSVP here) and Global Azure Bootcamp page.

Event organised by Chinese IT Association NZ.
Saturday 27 April 2019 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Intergen, 80 Willis St, Wellington.
Meetup event (RSVP here) and Global Azure Bootcamp page.

How Much

Free.
Please indicate in the meetup if you are attending.
If you have said you will attend but can’t, please remove yourself from the attending list so others may attend.

Global Azure Bootcamp. Twitter: @GlobaleAzure and #GlobalAzure.
Wellington Data Management and Analytics Meetup.
Chinese IT Association NZ

Note: There is an event in Auckland. It is full with a waiting list.
Auckland Global Azure Bootcamp page and eventbrite.
Organisers: Auckland Azure User Group and North Shore .NET User Group.

Stargazing 101: Sundays – Wellington – 14 April – 12 May 2019

What

Due to popular demand Museums Wellington are running a second Stargazing Workshop on Sunday nights.

New Zealand has some of the absolute best skies for stargazing in the world. This five-week Sunday night course is for people who look up at our skies and wonder which stars are twinkling back at them. No prior knowledge is required – just a desire to know more about the skies and how they are used in everyday life including navigation. The course has limited numbers so bookings are essential. It is suitable for ages 10 and up. Take the opportunity to walk through the gardens or Tournament parking is available at the top of the Cable Car.

When and Where

4pm – 6pm
Sundays, 14 April – 12 MAy 2019

Space Place at Carter Observatory
40 Salamanca Road,
Botanic Gardens
Wellington

How Much

$100 per person for the 5 nights

Webpage on the Stargazing 101 course

WOSSAT – Wellington – 16 April 2019

What

Wellington Open Source Show And Tell (WOSSAT)

Two speakers scheduled for meeting on April 16th

Thomas Munro — A tour of PostgreSQL

Thomas will talk about the PostgreSQL project’s origins, open source culture, and some specific features he really likes.
Thomas is a member of EnterpriseDB’s database server team and has made a number of contributions to PostgreSQL.

Tom Eastman — Secateur

Tom is using Python and open source tools to interface with the Twitter API with the goal of equalizing the battleground trashfire of harassment that Twitter so easily becomes. Help him work out how to turn it into a tool that other people can use, and that is affordable to host

When and Where

6pm Tuesday, 16th April 2019.

Catalyst IT
Level 3, Catalyst House,
150 Willis Street, Wellington

How Much

Free

wossat.nz – Meetup event.

Future Meetings Schedule:

Monthly meetings alternate between the 3rd Tuesday and the 3rd Thursday of each month.
The following meeting will be on Thursday 16th May 2019.

If you would like to be a speaker at a future meeting, please visit the web site and use the email link to make contact.

Bioblitz – Wellington – 5-6 April 2019

What

Bioblitz – Uncover the secrets of the garden

We know a lot about the plants we grow but what’s hiding in between the roots and stems? Help us uncover the garden’s secrets.

This 24-hour Bioblitz offers the opportunity for children and families to look into the diversity of plants and animals that live at the Wellington Botanic Garden. Scientists from around the country, Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden and individual volunteers will help analyse the secrets of the garden. The results of the Bioblitz will be made publicly available.

We’re in a race to snapshot as many different species in the Botanic Garden as we can within 24-hours. As a super science sleuth, you’ll use iNaturalist, the latest mobile phone technology so that you can make solo discoveries. If you prefer to work in a team, our field trips will give you the upper hand with an expert leading the pack.

Join our special 150th anniversary BioBlitz and help us discover what’s really living and growing in the garden in 2019.

Short video about Bioblitz.

When and Where

3pm, 5 April – 3pm, 6 April 2019

Wellington Botanic Garden

Bioblitz public programme

Friday 5 April 2019

2.25pm Opening Ceremony at Soundshell Lawn.
3pm – 7pm: Official start and public picnic at Soundshell Lawn.
3pm – 8pm: Bioblitz HQ is open at Treehouse Visitor Centre.
8.30pm: Bioblitz Guided Walk: Titiwai – New Zealand’s Glow Worm. (More about this walk at bottom of page)

Saturday 6 April 2019

8.30am – 3.15pm: Bioblitz HQ is open at Treehouse Visitor Centre.
11am-3pm: Video Booth at Treehouse Visitor Centre Carpark.
10am – 11am: Bioblitz Guided Walk: Tiny plants that are everywhere.
12.30pm – 1:45pm: Bioblitz Guided Walk: From ground level to tree tops.
1.45pm – 2:45pm : Bioblitz Guided Walk: The Wonderful World of Weeds.
3pm: Close of the Bioblitz

How Much

Free.
Bookings are required for free guided walks. Book your spot on a FREE tour by clicking on the guided walk links in the public programme above.
You may participate in the Bioblitz without joining the walks.

You need to have a smartphone with camera and ability to upload photos and information using the iNaturalist app.

Wellington Gardens event page.
Eventfinda event page.
iNaturalistNZ event page.

iNaturalistNZ website and twitter @inaturalistnz
Download and install the iNaturalist app on your smartphone

Bioblitz Guided Walk: Titiwai – New Zealand’s Glow Worm

This is the only walk sold out when this page was created. A guided walk called “Glow in the dark titiwai tours – New Zealand glow worms” is also by Wellington’s Botanic Gardens on other Fridays. $6 per person and Free for children under 12. Eventfinda event with dates and tickets.

Auckland Hobbies Fair – Auckland – 27 April 2019

What

The Auckland Hobbies fair is New Zealand’s largest collectors fair for Diecast models, model trains, collectible toys, model train layouts, working models, sci-fi collectibles, and much more. It is held twice a year at Freemans Bay Community Centre.

Including:
Dinky, Corgi, Lledo, Matchbox, Solido, Minichamps, Spot-On, Fun-Ho, Hot-Wheels, Ixo, Diecast models, old tin plate toys, Meccano, model trains and accessories, model boats, toy soldiers, Meccano, kitsets, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Batman, TV themes, McDonalds toys, dolls & bears, miniatures, postcards, DVDs, books, magazines, records, plastic models, planes, vintage tools, military memorabilia, motor racing, and more.

There will be a LEGO display present and Lego for sale, Lego for the kids to play with also.

Eftpos and cash out facilities available. Drinks and food are available on site to purchase. Sausage sizzle, and ice cream available on site.

When and Where

Saturday 27 April 2019
11am – 3pm

Freeman’s Bay Community Hall,
52 Hepburn Rd,
Freemans Bay,
Auckland

How Much

$5 per person (primary school children free if accompanied by adult)
Free entry after 2pm.

Auckland Hobbies Fair eventfinda page

Is your career code compliant? – Auckland – 17 April 2019

What

With job losses to AI predicted in the millions, coding is one skill that looks futureproof. How much do you need to know to stay relevant and add value to teams and projects working with code-driven innovations?

Come and have a peek into the ‘black box’ and hear from our expert panellists who share insight and answer any questions.

Facilitated by:
Sarah Hindle, (General Manager, Tech Futures Lab)
Along with panellists:
Lilian Grace (CEO and Founder, Figure.NZ)
Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh (Founder, She# and Senior Lecturer, AUT Computer & Mathematical Sciences)

About Future of Work New Zealand

The future of work is a hot topic right now and set to stay that way for a long time to come. This group is for those who want to explore how technologies like automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are shaping how we work, where we work and the skills we need to work.

With conflicting information from the experts leaving plenty of room for debate around what impact technologies will have, now’s the time to start the conversation about how we are going to adjust our social and economic structures in light of this new reality.

This group is for those who share an optimism for the opportunities technology presents while appreciating the need for debate, discussion and boldness as we approach huge societal change. Never before has there been such an opportunity to recast the social contract, to eliminate poverty, cure diseases and have fulfilling lives spent doing what we want to be doing. It’s in our hands whether we make this the greatest thing that humans have ever done or history’s biggest missed opportunity.

When and Where

Wednesday 17 April 2019
5:30pm to 7:30pm

Tech Futures Lab
22 McColl St
Newmarket
Auckland

How Much

Free

‘Is your Career code compliant?’ Event
Future of Work New Zealand Meetup Group

What happened at Google Cloud Next’19 – Auckland – 16 April 2019

What

This is the monthly Google Cloud Auckland meetup and this month we will be focusing on a run through of the announcements and updates from the Google Next’19 annual GCP global conference.

https://cloud.withgoogle.com/next/sf

5:30 – Networking, drink and nibbles
6:00 – Presentations
7:00 – Networking
7:30 – End

About the Google Cloud Meetup
To join like minded souls in exploring and use of the Google Cloud platform.

This is not Google, but architects, developers, data scientists, technologists, business leaders wanting to share experinces and knowledge around Google Cloud.

When and Where

5:30pm – 7:30pm
Tuesday 16 April 2019

The Garage
Ground Floor
Clearpoint House
7 Fenshaw St
Auckland CBD

How Much

Free

What happened at Google Cloud Next’19
Auckland Google Cloud Meetup Group

EdTechNZ Auckland Meetup: How digital tools can help students achieve industry relevant skills and quals – Auckland – 3 April 2019

What

Details

The role of digital platforms in helping students achieve skills and qualifications that are industry relevant.

Join us and be part of a conversation around how; the gap between education and employment leads to a gap between employee and employer expectations.

Emerging digital technologies such as smart classrooms and online tools look to ensure scale and deeper outreach to integrate education and skill based programmes.

Looking ahead, how can we ensure education and essential skills are integrated using relevant technologies and key stakeholders to maximise and sustain our future economies of scale

We’ll seed the conversation with presentation from Senthil Perumal of YouthHub about the recent launch of the Accelerator youth training programme at The Warehouse and how technology will play a significant role in scaling this. Then we go to the floor to chat about the role of technology in addressing challenges such as:

Is the scale of the youth-unemployment problem in New Zealand a result of lack of jobs, lack of skills, or lack of coordination? What are the obstacles that youth face on their journey from education to employment?

Which groups of youth and employers in New Zealand are struggling the most, and what’s the role of the private sector, education and tools in combating this ? What can be done to address the problem?

When and Where

4pm – 5pm
Wednesday 3 April 2019
Arrive early for a 4pm sharp start!

ATEED
Level 7
167b Victoria St West
Auckland CB

How Much

Free

Event on Meetup
EdTechNZ Auckland Meetup Group

The gathering of Matariki series of talks – 19 locations Nationwide – 11 April – 25 May 2019

What

In the past two decades Matariki has become a nationwide phenomenon, with numerous events occurring each winter to celebrate the predawn rising of this star cluster. Our modern observation of Matariki is helping to embed this celebration within the consciousness of the general public, and it is becoming part of our wider Aotearoa identity.

Professor Rangi Matamua is Associate Dean Postgraduate at the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. He is also a leading expert on Maori astronomy, and as the author of the bestselling book, ‘Matariki the Star of the Year’ he travels extensively throughout the country and internationally speaking about Matariki.

Rangi will give a two hour lecture that will include images, video and animations and detailed knowledge about Matariki, sharing his knowledge and highlighting connections between cultural knowledge and science.

When and Where

Blenheim | 11 April, Ūkaipō, Rangitāne Cultural Centre – register for Blenheim

Christchurch | 12 April, Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College – register for Christchurch

Dunedin | 18 April, St David’s Lecture Theatre, University of Otago – register for Dunedin

Wellington | 23 April, Little Theatre, Lower Hutt – register for Lower Hutt

Palmerston North | 24 April, Palmerston North Boys High School, Speirs Centre – register for Palmerston North

Whanganui | 26 April, Whanganui Collegiate School, Prince Edward Auditorium – register for Whanganui

Napier | 27 April, the Ballroom, Napier Conference Centre – register for Napier

Gisborne | 9 May, The War Memorial – register for Gisborne

Taupo | 10 May, Great Lakes Centre Theatre – register for Taupo

New Plymouth | 11 May, Devon Hotel (Hobson Room) – register for New Plymouth

Rotorua | 16 May, Millennium Hotel, Makoia Room – register for Rotorua

Auckland | 17 May, BNZ Theare, Vodafone Events Centre Manuwera – register for Auckland

Hamilton | 23 May, Southwell School (auditorium) – register for Hamilton

Tauranga | 24 May, Baypark Arena – Arena Combined Suites – register for Tauranga

Whangarei | 25 May, Raumanga Campus – register for Whangarei

How Much

Free

These events are free to attend and you are welcome to turn up on the day. However, due to their expected popularity, please register to guarantee your seat(s)

Overview on Royal Society Webpage

Registration of individual events are above (in the When and Where section) or on the Royal Society website.

Starry Starry Night – Wanaka – 30 March 2019

What

Join astronomers Alan Gilmore and Pamela Kilmartin with DOC Ranger Tanya to learn what we can see in our night sky!

Alan and Pam join us from Canterbury where they have worked in the Mt John Observatory discovering comets, asteroids, and minor planets.

Bring a head torch for the return walk and a mug for hot chocolate.

When and Where

7:30pm – 9pm
Saturday 30 March 2019

Hawea Swing Bridge,
Albert Town,
Wanaka
Central Otago

How Much

Gold coin donation.

Facebook Event