Ben Reid
Technology Futurist, AI Forum NZ Founder & Fast Forward Aotearoa Author
Ben Reid is one of New Zealand's most respected technology futurists — founding Executive Director of the AI Forum NZ, author of Fast Forward Aotearoa, creator of the Memia newsletter and a sought-after keynote speaker on the exponential changes being driven by AI and emerging tech.
Who is Ben Reid?
Ben Reid is a New Zealand technology futurist, strategy advisor and keynote speaker. From 2017 to 2019 he was the founding Executive Director of Te Kāhui Atamai Iahiko o Aotearoa / the AI Forum NZ, the country's broad-based AI think tank and advocacy body. He has more than 30 years' experience in software development, enterprise architecture, digital transformation, AI strategy and coaching technology teams. He is the author of the long-running Memia newsletter, read by thousands worldwide, and the 2024 book Fast Forward Aotearoa, which lays out 10 missions and 100 technology solutions to shape New Zealand's future. He advises leadership teams across Aotearoa, Australia and the Asia-Pacific, including via the NZ Trade and Enterprise Beachheads network.
Career Highlights
Founding Executive Director, AI Forum NZ (2017–2019)
Author, Fast Forward Aotearoa (2024)
Creator and author of the Memia weekly newsletter
Strategy advisor across the NZTE Beachheads advisory network
Former Chair, Canterbury Tech and Canterbury Angel Investors
30+ years across software development, enterprise architecture and AI strategy
Speaker at AUT's Technology in Society series and global events including CogX London
Member of the Institute of Directors NZ
Key Speaking Themes
AI and exponential technology trends
Fast Forward Aotearoa — NZ's technology future
Generative AI, large language models and what's coming next
Technology strategy, foresight and governance
The future of work, education and society
Practical steps to get started with AI
What Your Audience Will Gain
Ben's keynotes are frequently described as "mindblowing". Audiences leave with a clear, current and global view of where AI and frontier technologies are heading, what it means for New Zealand and their own organisation, and practical, actionable steps to start moving — not in five years, but now.
Ideal For
AI, technology and innovation conferences
Board offsites and executive strategy days
Industry conferences across primary, professional services and tech
Future-of-work and education events
Public sector and not-for-profit events
Frequently Asked Questions about Ben Reid
What does Ben Reid speak about? AI, exponential technologies, the future of New Zealand, technology strategy, foresight and innovation governance.
Where is Ben Reid based? Ben is based in New Zealand and travels across NZ, Australia and the Asia-Pacific for engagements.
What is Ben Reid best known for? Founding the AI Forum NZ, writing the Memia newsletter and authoring Fast Forward Aotearoa.
Is Ben Reid suitable for board and executive audiences? Yes. Ben advises senior leadership teams across business, government and not-for-profit on AI and technology strategy.
Can Ben deliver workshops as well as keynotes? Yes. He offers keynotes, executive briefings, board workshops, foresight sessions and ongoing advisory engagements.
Is Ben Reid available for international events? Yes. Ben works across Asia-Pacific and has presented at events including CogX in London.