Government commitment to “Open” – NZRise recommendation
April 16th, 2018 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The Labour / NZFirst coalition government (supported by the Green party) have stated a commitment to “Open” including: Adoption of the International Open Charter, signed by the Minister for Statistics James Shaw in March 2018 Allocation of an associate minister for open government role – Associate Minister of State Services (Open Government) Adoption of the D5 […] Read more»
It’s that time of year again! NZRise AGM Notice
April 16th, 2018 | By [email protected] | Posted in Event, News
The 2018 Annual General Meeting of NZRise will be held on the 16th of May at Equinox IT in Wellington. All members and employees of member organisations are welcome. In addition to the formalities and election of officers, there will be a Fireside Chat with our fantastic guest, John Edwards, the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner opening […] Read more»
Government aim for ICT to be our second-largest contributor to GDP by 2025 – NZRise recommendation
April 6th, 2018 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The Labour / NZFirst coalition government (supported by the Green party) have stated a vision for digital technology sector growth through their policies and coalition agreement statements (described as ICT), to quote: Labour believes that New Zealand must aim for ICT to be our second-largest contributor to GDP by 2025 Reform government procurement rules to […] Read more»
Sustainable Procurement in New Zealand
March 21st, 2018 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
The New Zealand Government faces a number of challenges at any given time; more and more it turns to technology as the solution to these challenges. Unfortunately, when an organisation has an immediate problem to solve, less thought is often given to macro-level concerns of how the procurement of a solution affects the market and […] Read more»
Ewaste and How to Avoid it
February 27th, 2018 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Building a digital economy has loads of benefits for the environment. We already have the ability to create tech solutions that solve environmental issues by improving resource efficiency or reducing the effects of damage done so far, but there is a byproduct that is not so great. Ewaste, or electronic waste. Those Apple Macs of days […] Read more»
New Zealand’s Priorities in the Digital Revolution
February 14th, 2018 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Don Christie, Co-Chair of NZRise and CEO of Wellington-based open source specialists Catalyst, spoke at a recent ITP breakfast on how to realise the opportunities presenting themselves to us in the digital sector and how to take everyone on that journey. This post is part one of three and first appeared on the ITP site. […] Read more»
Providing leadership in diversity and inclusion
February 7th, 2018 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The Digital Skills Report released in December 2017 has highlighted the diversity gap within the Digital Technology industry in a New Zealand context. Specifically of concern: only 8% of students in Digital Technology studies are Maori 36% of students in Digital Technology studies are women 27% of the Digital Technology workforce are women NZ sits […] Read more»
New Government. New Year. New Opportunities. What now?
January 31st, 2018 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise Co-Chair Don Christie shared his perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead for our sector in the face of a new government and a new year. The breakfast event, arranged by ITP, drew a mixed audience of business, government and academic minds who enjoyed Don’s direct and candid delivery style. The slides for his […] Read more»
Auckland growth for Digital Technology industry
December 12th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Victoria and Don, alongside NZRise members Noel and Joe from AMS, met with Mayor Phil Goff and his team recently to discuss the opportunities Auckland presents for our industry and member companies. From our summation of the discussion back to the Mayor: “Like our members, we, and our staff are heavily invested in Auckland. We […] Read more»
2017 Procurement Workshop Outcomes
November 21st, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Growing a Sustainable Digital Sector with Smart Procurement NZRise / MBIE 2017 Procurement Workshop Outcomes Held on 13/07/2017, Te Wharewaka, Wellington Attendees ~100 across NZ Government agencies and NZ Private sector (NZRise members) Background This was the third procurement workshop co-convened by NZRise and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment under the theme, ‘Procuring […] Read more»
Work in Progress – Wellington’s New Collar Future
November 9th, 2017 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
On the 8th of November, a diverse range of organisations from around Wellington came together at the “Work in Progress – Wellington’s New Collar Future” conference to hear from a collection of speakers from many different backgrounds on what they think the future looks like for work. The attendees were all there from different perspectives, […] Read more»
Vic Crone – NZ Rise Innovation Interview
October 31st, 2017 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Vic Crone, CEO of Callaghan Innovation joined NZ Rise members in Wellington to discuss their experiences with Callaghan Innovation and shared her views on where she believes Callaghan Innovation can play a role in supporting the local eco-system. Vic’s fireside chat was with Miki Szikszai, CEO of Snapper, and exclusive to NZ Rise. […] Read more»
Agenda NZRise Procurement Workshop – Growing a Sustainable Digital Sector
July 5th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Last chance to register this week – if you are a New Zealand owned company working in the Digital Technology space this event is for you, a unique opportunity to collaboratively with NZ Government Procurement Leaders on the challenges and opportunities ahead with a goal to Growing a Sustainable Digital Sector with Smart Procurement. Register […] Read more»
Have your say on the Skills Shortage
June 21st, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The New Zealand Digital Skills Forum has launched a national survey to help address the increasing digital skills shortage. As demand for tech skills accelerates across all sectors, plus the rapid growth of the tech sector itself, unfilled tech roles continue to rise. The Forum, an industry and government working group, has launched the survey […] Read more»
NZRise AGM 2017 Election of Board and Officers update
June 2nd, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The NZRise AGM of 2017 was held on Wednesday 31st May. Thank you to Rabid for hosting a very lively debate with members attending both in person and via hangout from remote locations. Many thanks to Board members who are not returning to the board – Bianca Mueller, Daniel Spector and Paul Ramsay. The Board […] Read more»
Who is IT Wellington #TWNZ17
May 11th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Yesterday 150 Wellington based people who identify themselves as working in the Information Technology space gathered at the Fork and Brewer pub. As part of TechWeek 2017 “Who is IT Wellington” was an awesome event to catch up with old connections, forge new ones, enjoy a drink and platters of food provided by NZRise member companies (please […] Read more»
NZ Digital Technology Sector Procurement seminar findings
April 21st, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
In September 2015 NZRise co-hosted a Procurement Seminar with MBIE. In preparation for holding a followup event in 2017 it is worthy considering the report issued by NZRise highlighting key issues and opportunities for further development. The report below will be used to build the agenda for the 2017 event. The half day event was well […] Read more»
The cost of Government Tenders
April 18th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
This post is to share the results of a survey – the cost of responding to Government Tenders – run late in 2016. Overview A few things happened in 2016 leading to NZRise members questioning whether the NZ Government really understands how their preferred procurement method – via Tenders as Requests for Information and Requests […] Read more»
Why aren’t New Zealand businesses being encouraged to take on new graduates?
March 7th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Last week Don and I received the email below: For Attention Victoria Maclennan & Don Christie, I am writing to you as Co-Chairs of NZRise to seek your feedback about a problem that is occurring not only for me, but for many of my friends. I, along with many others I know, am a recent […] Read more»
Supporting the Wellington ICT Graduate School
January 30th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The Wellington ICT Graduate School needs support from Wellington businesses. This is an important element in preparing New Zealand for the changing way we will be working in the future. You can read more about the school at https://www.wellingtonict.ac.nz/ or contact Karl (details below): The Wellington ICT School are seeking businesses who would be interested in […] Read more»
NZRise Position and Guidance on Internships
January 18th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise members have observed an emerging trend in New Zealand of offering students or recent graduates work experience via an unpaid “internship”. Our research has clarified this style of work placement does not exist in New Zealand employment law, volunteering would be the closest description which is subject to a range of legislation in itself. […] Read more»
Selling to the Public Sector from the NZ owned Digital and Technology perspective
January 12th, 2017 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise members have recently been enthusiastically discussing “10 of my secrets on how to sell to the UK Public Sector” by Mary McKenna, a Tech Entrepreneur and Investor from Ireland. The article resonates strongly with New Zealand owned Digital and Technology businesses as the advice could be equally be written from a NZ owned SME’s perspective. […] Read more»
NZRise welcome Labour’s “Future of Work” paper
November 29th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise is delighted to note Labour’s forward thinking, particularly within the Technology section of their “The Future of Work” Paper, encapsulating the results of 2 year’s work by their “Future of Work Commission”. “We admire and fully support their aspirational goal to make the ICT sector NZ’s second largest contributor to the economy by 2025, […] Read more»
NZRise members support for the Digital 5 Nation Charter and adoption of Open Standards
November 27th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise members support Open Standards and New Zealand’s commitment to Open Standards as a member of the Digital 5 Nations (D5). We encourage NZ Government Agencies to take a proactive view and align with the goals of the D5 which will directly support strengthening the New Zealand economy through Digital Technology. Minister Dunne is actively […] Read more»
ThunderMaps: Member showcase
November 22nd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Clint van Marrewijk, CEO of ThunderMaps fills us in on what they do. [By the way, did you know ThunderMaps recently won the Award for Export at the Geospatial Awards?! Congrats!] What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Being from New Zealand naturally orientates us towards the rest of the world – […] Read more»
What’s up: November
November 11th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Thank you! Huge thanks to Bianca and LawDownUnder for hosting our US election themed end of year ‘do on Wednesday. Wonderful to see you all, and best wishes for the silly season. US election Don Christie, our co-chair, posted this blog about what the US election results might mean for NZ businesses from an NZRise […] Read more»
NZRise Response To US Election Results
November 11th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise members attended our end of year meeting in subdued mood on Wednesday. A mood that seems to be shared by many businesses and other organisations. The unfolding electoral map of the USA filled NZRise attendees with a feeling of impending doom. So, whilst it may be that Trump opposes things like TPP, he does […] Read more»
The cost of Responding to NZ Government Tenders
November 8th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise is considering the cost of engagement with NZ Government procurement processes from a business perspective and are initially interested in understanding the estimated cost to NZ Digital and Technology companies when responding to a NZ Government tenders – whether a Request for Information or Request for Proposal. This is just one of the many dimensions […] Read more»
Member showcase: LawHawk
November 3rd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Big welcome to our newest member, LawHawk. Gene Turner is the Managing Director and has kindly provided the following info for the member showcase. What does being a local NZ company mean to you? A lot. I was born and raised in New Zealand, and most of my friends and family are here. My kids […] Read more»
Open Source Awards – Congrats!
October 31st, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
NZRise wishes a huge congratulations to those award winners at last week’s Open Source Awards. The winners are: Government Digital NZ, an initiative that seeks to help people find, share, and use NZ digital content. Business Catalyst for the Catalyst Cloud, the only fully API-driven cloud infrastructure in New Zealand. Education, social services and youth […] Read more»
Member newsletter: What’s up?
October 25th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Hi members! In this fortnights’ update we’ve got – Market Measures report to share – An IRRUP10 update following a phone call with the IRD and our chairs – Changes to skilled migrant immigration – A reminder about the end of year function Cheers, Bronnie Community Manager, NZRise Co-chair update There’s been a lot happening […] Read more»
Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category – Immigration New Zealand
October 11th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Announcement from the Minister of Immigration via Immigration New Zealand: As our Skill Forum partners I just wanted to let you know that today the Minister of Immigration announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Below is some more information and context about these changes that could be interesting if not relevant for […] Read more»
Submission to Inland Revenue from the Digital and Technology sector – IRRUIP10
October 4th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Inland Revenue (IR) are seeking to review the taxation treatment of software. NZRise, NZTech and AMS jointly submitted feedback as did Catalyst independently with a further emphasis on the treatment of Open Source software. Specifically IR are looking to review 3 key “issues”: When does software development expenditure give rise to “trading stock”? What treatment […] Read more»
October update: News, events and the end of year party date!
October 3rd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Can you believe it’s October already!? Hi members! In this fortnights’ update we’ve got quite a lot to be honest: – A big update from our co-chairs – A couple of events for your calendar – Septembers’ board meeting minutes – Welcome and member showcase to our new member, Eight-Wire Please sing out if you’ve […] Read more»
Member showcase: Eight Wire
October 3rd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
NZRise’s newest member, Jason Gleason from Eight-Wire joins us in this member showcase. What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Being a local NZ company means we take our environment and culture and use it to guide our development as a company. It also means that we are engaged with our local […] Read more»
Visualising the NZ Digital and Technology sector
September 7th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The recent DigitalNation.nz report provides a fantastic source of insight into the New Zealand Digital and Technology sector, it’s contribution to the economy, impact on other sectors and contribution on a regional basis. In 2015 the Digital and Technology sector accounted for 8% of GDP and 7% of exports. The overall contribution to GDP was greater than that […] Read more»
Member showcase: Hunchbuzz
August 31st, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Thomas Mitchell, who was recently named Young IT Professional of the Year at ITx2016, joins us to share a bit of info about Hunchbuzz. What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Being a local NZ company means we are an active player and supporter of all things New Zealand. We obviously want […] Read more»
Support for Digital and Technology Interns via Summer of Tech
August 23rd, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise member Summer of Tech offers a great programme connecting New Zealand Digital and Technology students with New Zealand companies for summer work placement opportunities. Our members support Summer of Tech and we think you should too. More information can be found below: Summer of Tech Can you support IT interns in your business this […] Read more»
Take the Market measures survey
August 22nd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
This year NZRise is a supporter of Market Measures. Market Measures benchmarks the sales and marketing activity of New Zealand’s technology companies, providing you with useful information for planning your sales and marketing strategies. To find out more about Market Measures and to view past years’ reports and resources click here. By participating in the […] Read more»
How local government can support the digital economy
August 16th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
This opinion piece was written by Victoria MacLennan, Co-Chair NZRise and was published in the NBR on 5th July 2016. We live in interesting times. Globalisation and increasing demand for digital and technology-based products have created a wonderful environment for companies to build their products or services anywhere. No longer bound by the tyranny of geography, […] Read more»
Opportunities for Software Companies in South East Asia
August 15th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Last week Mitchell Pham spoke at an NZRise meetup, we also invited NZTech and IITP members along. Thank you to Equinox for hosting us and providing pizza. The group enjoyed a great overview of how large the South East Asian market is and where opportunities lie for NZ software companies. Mitchell and his team at Augen […] Read more»
Member showcase: Draper Cormack Group
August 12th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Being a local NZ company means that while we have one eye on how we can improve our own business, we’re also looking at how we can improve New Zealand – be that by dealing with ethically strong clients, working on helping our clients tell […] Read more»
NZ Government ICT Marketplace briefing, August 2016
August 9th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Last week Ron Stuart, Manager Government ICT Supply Strategy, GCIO’s office, DIA briefed audiences of NZRise, NZTech and IITP members in Auckland and Wellington. Both events drew large crowds with ~200 people braving a freezing wind in Wellington demonstrating the levels of interest and importance of this announcement. We also noted a strong contingent of Government […] Read more»
Industry bodies unite to challenge the Marsden Fund support of Digital and Technology research
August 7th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise has added our voice to a joint industry submission to the Marsden Fund, to quote IITP’s press release “11 of the leading representative bodies from the tech sector have joined forces to raise serious concerns about apparent bias within New Zealand’s major Marsden research fund that has led to a significant under-investment in tech-related research […] Read more»
Member showcase: Givahoy
August 3rd, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Read all about our newest NZRise member, Jim Boutcher from Givahoy. What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Being a local NZ company means that any success is grounded in where I live. I’m not working in isolation, but in an ecosystem of committed and effective people. How has technology changed our […] Read more»
What happened at ITx2016?
July 28th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
On July 11-13, NZRise was part of a huge technology and digital conference in Wellington. ITx2016 brought together 12 tech agencies from across the country to collaborate and share at a 3-day conference. NZRise hosted a stream on day one which included: – A tech focused Q&A session with the Wellington City Council mayoral candidates […] Read more»
Income Tax Treatment of Software Development Expenditure – Consultation, Inland Revenue
July 18th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Earlier in 2016 Inland Revenue sought feedback from Industry groups such as NZRise on their upcoming proposal to revisit the taxation treatment of software developed for the purpose of commercial exploitation – now issued for consultation. NZRise members are welcome to submit to Inland Revenue directly or join the membership discussion and contribute to our […] Read more»
NZ Rise delighted by its members’ success
July 14th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
NZ Rise is delighted that two of its members were awarded the top two awards at last night’s Excellence in IT Awards. Hunchbuzz CTO Thomas Mitchell won Young IT Professional of the Year and NZ Rise co-chair Victoria MacLennan won the top award, IT Professional of the year. Victoria says she is humbled and honoured […] Read more»
Digital Economy insight from Phil O’Reilly
July 12th, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Last week Phil O’Reilly, who recently moved on from his CEO of BusinessNZ role, donated some of his time to provide NZRise and other industry group members with his take on New Zealand’s role in the global economy, specifically focusing on the opportunities and challenges facing those of us in the Digital and Technology sector. […] Read more»
Member showcase: Abletech
June 28th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Jo Wilson from Abletech joins us in this member showcase to fill us in on life at Abletech. What does being a local NZ company mean to you? Abletech was founded by Kiwis and, although we work internationally, we love being based in Wellington. Increasingly, local businesses and organisations are embracing innovative technology and we […] Read more»
Member showcase: Exess Connectivity
June 14th, 2016 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
This blog is to showcase one of our many members, Exess Connectivity, a fast, low cost case management software for human and social service providers. Michelle Beavan, Navigator, was kind enough to answer some questions, thanks Michelle! Watch this space for more NZRise member showcases to come. ~ Bronnie What does being a local NZ […] Read more»
NZRise May 2016 update
June 2nd, 2016 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Hello everyone, May has been another busy month NZRise wise, with lively discussions on our members forum and a range of meetings, consultations and events Don and Victoria as Co-Chairs have been involved with. If you have any questions or would like to learn more feel free to email us at [email protected] AGM Reminder Today (2nd […] Read more»
An open letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs
December 18th, 2015 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
18 December 2015 Hon Peter Dunne Minister of Internal Affairs Private Bag 18888 Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 Dear Minister, This is an open letter due to the timing of the issue it raises. We write on behalf of of NZRise members and the wider New Zealand ICT sector. Many of our members have read with […] Read more»
November Digest
December 18th, 2015 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
Our monthly newsletter is out and available for your reading pleasure. We review the Xmas social event, look at the procurement award and congratulate two member companies making headlines. Read the newsletter Read more»
NZRise calls for fair tender process for Wellington smartcard solution
December 17th, 2015 | By [email protected] | Posted in News
As Greater Wellington Regional Council prepares to begin the tender process for a new city-wide public transport smartcard system, NZRise urges the Council to conduct the process fairly. “We know that NZTA has written to the Council expressing a preference for their wholly-owned subsidiary, Hop, to be chosen over one of the other three […] Read more»
NZRise Great Procurement Award
December 8th, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
The Inaugral NZRise Great Procurement Award We want to reward great procurement Much of the business in the the New Zealand Digital and Technology sector is awarded via a procurement process. With stories and urban myths galore on less than optimal experiences it seems like a great time to celebrate the exemplars. Here is your […] Read more»
NZRise Welcomes ‘Local First’ Procurement Policy
November 8th, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise, the association of New Zealand owned digital companies, today welcomed the Labour Party’s procurement policy that includes assessment of the impact of government purchasing on the local economy. “NZRise has lobbied all of the major parties for more than five years now to consider the net economic benefit to the local economy of government […] Read more»
NZRise TPPA Concerns
August 17th, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise’s concerns on the impact of the Trans Pacfic Partnership Agreement (TPPA) 17th August 2015 NZRise and its members are deeply concerned about the expansion of the intellectual property rights regime as it will limit the competitiveness of New Zealand’s IT industry. As a small market economy, New Zealand does not appear to gain any […] Read more»
New Co-Chair for NZRise
August 16th, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Victoria MacLennan appointed Co-Chair of Digital and Technology Advocacy group – NZRise NZRise the digital and technology advocacy group for the New Zealand owned sector has appointed Victoria MacLennan, Managing Director OptimalBI, as new Co-Chair. Victoria replaces Paul Ramsay, founding NZRise co-chair and director of IT firm, Equinox, after a four year service. Well-known in […] Read more»
Quarterly ICT Confidence
August 2nd, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
NZRise Quarterly New Zealand ICT Sector Confidence Survey We would like to start a short regular survey each quarter to gauge the changing levels of confidence in the New Zealand ICT Sector. Understanding shifts in ICT business confidence can give us a better understanding of where the industry needs help or where we are excelling. Your […] Read more»
Wellington City Council
February 10th, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Media Release 10th Feb 2015 Wellington City Council Fascination with One Ring Goes too Far The inhabitants of Middle Earth found the downside of having “One ring to rule them all”. Wellington should be concerned about the impending darkness threatened by the “One system to replace them all” style thinking from the Wellington City Council. NZRise […] Read more»
Party Policy Questions
February 1st, 2015 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Questions for Political Parties We sent the following questions to all major New Zealand Political Parties and are now publishing their answers. The Conservative Party and New Zealand First chose not to reply to these questions. Some parties that have replied are yet to release more digital technology policies relevant to these questions. We will […] Read more»
NZRise pleased with evolution of ICT Policies
September 10th, 2014 | By NZRise Chair | Posted in News
Wednesday 10th September 2014 NZRise pleased with evolution of ICT Policies NZRise is pleased with how political parties are developing their ICT policies but cautions they need a long term effort from Government to put them in place. Don Christie chair of NZRise said “the policies show how the awareness and importance of the sector […] Read more»