Focus Forward

New Zealand has always punched above its weight in tech. I remember when I first arrived in the country in 2007 and was genuinely amazed by EFTPOS . I'd spend even $1 or 50c using the card machine. Back in India , we would never have done that; you'd always use cash for such small change. EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sale) machines were first trialled in NZ in the mid-1980s but spread rapidly in the 1900s once there was a mass critical of both cards and machines. By 1997, EFTPOS had become the dominant payment method in New Zealand. (Image Source: Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand )   Fast forward to 2025 . While India has moved way ahead in developing payment solutions, from instant QR code systems to seamless bank-to-bank transfers , New Zealand's digital infrastructure feels like it's still buffering. The irony is stark: New Zealand was the early mover in the 1980s. EFTPOS was literally a world-class innovation built right here, a system that th...

The downsizing of Oprah's show is not just a story for 2025; it's a warning for 2026. Audience expectations are changing; they are becoming more selective than ever, and attention is the most valuable currency any brand, even a creator, can earn. If people don't see the immediate value, they scroll past, online or offline. Digital marketers in New Zealand and around the world need to rethink how they can capture attention in 2026. The data-driven strategies are not optional; they're essential for a digital marketing campaign . Understanding audience behaviour , search intent , and engagement patterns will separate the campaigns that thrive from the ones with lower or zero engagement. SEO , content strategy , and discoverability are still your lifelines. But in 2026, they need to be smarter, faster, and more adaptive than ever. Live events , including the performing arts , face the same reality. The famous big names won't guarantee a full house. The artist shoul...