What we do

Our competitive advantage

Technology

Nautilus Technology Park

Planning is well advanced for the Nautilus Technology Park, an 11,000m² state-of-the-art technology business park positioned at Sulphur Point, in close proximity to the Tauranga central business district. The park will specifically meet the needs of the rapidly growing information & communications technology sector. The opportunity to relocate to purpose designed facilities, surrounded by like-minded businesses and heavily technology-enabled, is an attractive one to both local businesses and those outside the region. Potential benefits to the region of a technology park and the necessary infrastructure to ensure its competitiveness have been identified and incorporated into a business proposition to attract tertiary, technology and research organisations. A development of this type will increase opportunities for high-skill and high wage employment in the region. Priority One will be targeting overseas and Kiwi expatriate software design houses that may consider relocating or investing in the Western Bay of Plenty in support of the technology park.

Western Bay of Plenty ICT Cluster

Information and communications technology (ICT) is an integral part of the New Zealand economy, contributing $6.2 billion, or 5.1 per cent, to GDP. The ICT sector offers a high-value opportunity to help grow the economy as a key enabler and driver of productivity in the economy as well as providing links in global value chains. It has been identified as a key sector in New Zealand’s wellbeing because of its ability to lift productivity and its status as a powerhouse of economic growth in its own right, creating high value revenue opportunities.

Priority One partnered with local businesses to establish the Western Bay of Plenty ICT cluster in 2003, to bring together businesses that are keen to create commercial opportunities and contribute their experience and expertise to the development of an IT rich region. The cluster numbers over 400 members from approximately 190 ICT or related businesses, including the IT divisions of the largest corporates in the region. The cluster's focus is on information sharing to encourage synergies and collaboration to grow the sector for individual and mutual benefit and provide a voice for the industry. Increasingly the cluster is focusing on the growth of software development companies. Local companies have gained tangible benefits from cluster membership, including access to skilled staff, delivery of joint projects, resource sharing opportunities and access to technical expertise and information. If you would like to join the ICT Cluster, email annie@priorityone.co.nz.

Technology for Smarter Business Expo

The Technology for Smarter Business expo is held in May each year, showcasing the innovative technology solutions available right here in the Bay. All stands have a strong focus on products and services that can increase productivity and maximise business potential. In addition, a programme of workshops is held covering issues of interest to business, such as options for financing technology solutions, threats to business, remote working, new technologies and where innovation is heading in the future. For further information, visit www.wbop-ict.co.nz.

Andrew Coker, Chief Executive of Priority One, said “I think the strong turnout by our business community at this event each year is an indication of the faith they have in the quality of the IT sector in the Bay. It’s also great to see businesses recognising the potential competitive and productivity advantages that new technology and high performing technology businesses will bring to their own areas of activity.”

ICT User Groups

As well as the Western Bay of Plenty ICT Cluster, there are a number of ICT user groups that are operating in Tauranga:

.NET Users Group

This group is targeted at the .NET programming community. Meetings take place around once a month and often speakers of a national calibre are brought in to discuss issues around Microsoft software development. For further information, contact Rodney Lake at RodneyL@SpectraData.co.nz.

SharePoint Users Group

The Bay of Plenty SharePoint User Group, affectionately known as BOPSPUG, meets on the third Thursday of each month at the EnvisionIT offices. The group was established to the local SharePoint community together to share tips, tricks, and ideas on the uses of WSS and MOSS. The user group is targeted towards end users, administrators, implementers, project managers, business analysts and developers. The very technical sessions are dealt with in the .NET User Group, ensuring this group has a business focus. Meetings are informal and refreshments provided. For further information, contact www.envisionit.co.nz.

Linux Users Group

Linux is a free open source operating system which is run by around 70% of the internet’s servers. The software is free and available to anyone with internet access. The Bay of Plenty Linux Users Group (BOPLUG!) is a small group of pioneering Linux enthusiasts ranging from novices to advanced users. The group holds regular meetings to learn from Linux demonstrations and mutual sharing of knowledge and through discussions. Meetings are held at 7pm on the first Tuesday of each month at L J Hooker Real Estate Building, Cnr 8th Avenue & Cameron Road. There is a $2 door charge. For further information, visit www.lug.co.nz.

Web Interest Group

The newly established Web Interest Group is primarily for web developers, designers, administrators and marketers. It is anticipated the group will be run along similar lines as the Auckland Web Meetup (www.meetup.co.nz), with meetings held on a regular basis covering a range of topics targeted at both technical and non technical people. Examples of topics that will be covered include online marketing, designing forms, social media, usability, mobile apps, and Flash ... as well as some geeky stuff. For further information, contact jodie@cucumbersoftware.com.

Tauranga Girl Geeks

Tauranga Girl Geeks are a spin off from an idea that originated in London and spread to Auckland and Wellington. Girl Geek Dinners are held each quarter, providing an opportunity for like-minded ‘girl geeks’ to talk about technology over some good food and a few drinks. The dinners usually feature a speaker and a chance for some socialising, a bit of tech talk …. and most importantly, some fun. To find out more, visit www.tauranga.girlgeekdinners.co.nz.