Creative storytellers, digital entrepreneurs and social warriors share why this little city is making such a big impact.
This is a snippet focused on NZRise member Ackama from an article originally published in the Kia ora magazine, which you can view it here on Noted.
Josh Forde and Breccan McLeod-Lundy, Ackama
When web developer Breccan McLeod-Lundy set up shop as an independent contractor in 2010 it was with the aim of making the world a better place by designing better technology.
Through Enspiral, the DIY collective of Wellington social enterprises, he found a like-minded partner in Josh Forde and Rabid Technologies was born. Almost a decade on, Ackama as the company is now known, has clients ranging from PledgeMe and SPCA to Open Polytechnic and the Marlborough Harbourmaster.
Business value, customer happiness and ethical outcomes are Ackama’s overriding priorities in a world where the early promise of the web has given way to the realisation that some of the biggest tech platforms don’t always have our best interests at heart.
There’s a movement right across business and government to be more explicit about the social impact of what we do.
“There’s a movement right across business and government to be more explicit about the social impact of what we do,” says Josh.
Ackama has a heavy weighting of social good and charitable organisations and unashamedly pursues tech activism to tackle some of society’s biggest issues.
Last year, Ackama built a digital presence for the Climate Vulnerable Forum which represents the 48 nations that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is apparently the ‘nuclear-free issue of our generation’ but as a country and society, we are way off track with making the changes we need,” Josh says.
Ackama expanded into Australia last year, but remains proudly headquartered in Wellington where, Forde says, it has the freedom to operate with the “integrity and creativity” that has fueled the company’s success.
View the source article here, which includes other rebel CEOs of Wellington from Resn, Fox & Co, Double Denim, Gecko Press, Aro Digital and Flying Saucer.