Last week we were at Canterbury Tech - Tech Summit 25, where the big theme was “Thriving together through exponential change.”
For us at Enable, that theme really hits home. Thriving in fast-changing times isn’t just about new tools, it’s about having the right foundations to make the most of them. We caught up with our Head of Solution Delivery, Martin Byrne, who shared his take on this, looking at how history can help us make sense of the future. 
Marty (far right), with his team, left to right, Dave, Carl, David, James, Jo, Jordan, Leshi and Alex.
As a history fan, Marty looks to the past for perspective. “When the printing press was invented in the 1400s, it didn’t just change how books were made, it changed how people shared and grew their knowledge,” he says. “Today, we’re seeing another big shift with artificial intelligence (AI).”
Marty, a local tech leader, and our Head of Solution Delivery sees the similarities. “AI is becoming part of our everyday lives,” he says. “It’s a lot like when the printing press came along, a tool that reshaped the world.”
Marty agrees that the tech world is moving faster than ever. “If you don’t start using AI, you’ll fall behind,” he says. He compares it to car manufacturing in the 1980s. Japan embraced automation and retrained people to work with machines. Detroit resisted and lost its lead. The lesson? Those who embrace new technology get ahead, whereas those who don’t risk being left behind.
We’re already seeing this in Christchurch. Businesses, schools, and even homes are trying new tools powered by AI, from smart education apps to cloud-based healthcare systems, and these tools work best when supported by fast, reliable connectivity. While many technologies can get you online, fibre broadband gives Christchurch the speed, capacity and reliability to help make the most of AI and other new tools. It ensures data moves quickly, applications run smoothly, and our city stays connected to the future.
Some people worry that AI will take jobs. But Marty sees it differently. “It’s not about jobs disappearing, it’s about jobs changing,” he says. The same goes for connectivity. Fibre didn’t just replace old ways of doing things, it opened the door to new opportunities, and it continues to do so.
As a grandfather, Marty thinks about what this means for the next generation. He’s not worried about the pace of change, instead he’s excited by it. “Some people may hold back, and that’s just human nature,” he says. “But others will embrace it and build entirely new industries. The opportunity is there. It’s about mindset."
At Enable, we share that outlook. A Fibre connection isn’t just fast broadband, we see it as the platform that helps power whatever comes next. Thinking about getting connected to fibre? Find out how at www.enable.net.nz/connect-to-fibre
Our Tech Series continues throughout September, so keep an eye out for more stories from Enable’s tech leaders, exploring the projects, innovations and ideas that help Christchurch stay connected and ahead.
