War Stories from the ICT Trenches

Auckland ICT will hold the October meeting. The theme is War Stories from the ICT Trenches

The three speakers Ian Miller, Luigi Cappel, Kevin Andreassend will share their experiences about going global, lessons learnt and establishing their role in the market place.

Ian Miller
Owner of Nutshell, supplying personal wireless accessory products since 1997. Ian has discovered that locally sourced possum, those pests of the environment, are perfect; their pelt are naturally anti-static. This makes them ideal to protect smart phone

Luigi Cappel
Managing Director, SoLoMo Consulting Ltd, How do people find out about your company, your skills and specialist expertise? How do they even know they might want to? Luigi will share about his book publishing activiies with Amazon.

Kevin Andreassend
MD of ICE AV Technology Ltd started his journey in the audiovisual sector literally under the dining room table as a 7 year old Today his company has a major focus on the international market with interactive, display and simulations technology.

We look forward to you joining us where we feed you, help you network and where you can learn some insights.

The meeting will conclude with a short AGM. Followed by further networking.
Registrations to attend are made at Eventbrite on this link
http://www.eventbrite.co.nz/event/8841441991/eorg

Collaboration is the new business strategy

Collaboration was one of the main themes from the Rutherford
Innovation Showcase. We have two speakers to address this from
different perspectives. Dr Sue Watson, Global CEO of Kea, will explain
how to engage with over 30,000 Kiwi expats. Professor Keith Popplewell from Coventry University will talk about the SYNERGY Project, which facilitates SME collaboration.

Kea: Communicating with Kiwi Expats

An Introduction to Kea, New Zealand’s Global Network
An overview of members (32,000 Kiwi expats)
How Kea plan to engage with their members

Supporting network enterprise collaboration through adaptive knowledge services

The SYNERGY Project, funded by the European Commission investigated
the feasibility of providing support for networks of enterprises, primarily small to medium sized enterprises, who come together to compete as a collaborative virtual organisation for business opportunities, which would be beyond the reach of any of them acting alone. The resulting software service prototypes include management of collaboration knowledge for individual enterprises and virtual organisations, risk management, a collaboration moderator, and collaboration patterns embodying evolving best practice.

Services can be delivered through a native SYNERGY portal, but in fact
exploitation is developing around delivery as a “product in white” where clusters of users can brand a platform and customise services and access to their own requirements. Services can also be assembled in rather different ways to meet very different needs, and validation work included application on the one hand in an existing SME cluster trying to improve its capture of new opportunities, and on the other, a cluster of pharmaceutical research SMEs and universities, who came together to try out the collaboration support for SYNERGY, and then discovered a number of new drug leads as a result.

Event Details

5;00 to 7;30pm, Thursday 17 November 2011
Auckland Town Hall Ground Floor Council Chamber
301, Queen Street, Auckland

Go to http://www.aucklandict.org.nz for more information and to RSVP.

This is the last formal networking event of Auckland ICT in 2011.

Event: Leveraging on opportunities and business in New Zealand

Please join us at Waka Māori to hear New Zealand Minister of Finance Bill English present on the opportunities for investment in New Zealand.

The evening will open with a haka pōwhiri, a formal Māori welcome ceremony which will be performed by members of Ngāti Whātua, the people of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Peter Johnston, Chair of Te Awe Māori Business Network will discuss the rise of an indigenous iwi economy in New Zealand and opportunities to engage with the organisations that are at the forefront of this new economic force.

Former All Black and member of the 1987 Rugby World Cup winning team Grant Fox will wrap up with his views on the tournament so far and will reflect on high performance in sport and business.

Mention will be made of the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct as announced yesterday by Minister Wayne Mapp and will be of interest for members of the business community

Well known New Zealand entertainer, comedian and broadcaster Pio Terei will be MC for the event.

Venue: Waka Māori
Address: Te Wero Island, Auckland Viaduct
Date: Monday 17 October 2011
Time: 6pm (haka pōwhiri starts at 6.15 pm) followed by light food and refreshments.
Please RSVP to this prestigious event by 16th October 2011
Event organiser: Megan Yorston
megan.yorston at aucklandnz.com Tel +64 9 365 0532
http://www.investauckland.com/

AucklandICT promotes its members on the HoloDesk

AucklandICT, an Auckland based industry organisation takes advantage of the Holo-Info-Desk to promote its members at the Rutherford Forum industry conferences in September.

Holo-Info-Desk Multi Touch Information Surface

The Rutherford Forum activities are part of the Rugby World Cup related activities to promote NZ business and innovation. http://rutherfordinnovationshowcase.co.nz

AucklandICT is an industry organisation based in Auckland, New Zealand. Members come from a range of industry sectors that serve requirements both locally and international that are predominately in ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

Each month the organisation meets to listen to a key note speaker, share success updates, networking and more recently have begun to actively utilise social media and online platforms. Within AucklandICT there is the Electronics Interest Group (ETG) AucklandICT that meets once a month over breakfast to discuss projects, topics of interest, training.

Contact events@aucklandict.org.nz @aucklandict http://www.aucklandict.org.nz

The Strategy of Pricing and the impact on your company value

How can pricing strategy can increase company value? In the tech sector this is a topic that is at the forefront of the fund managers and investors as the explosion in Apple, Google, Linkedin and myriad of other large and smaller tech companies. Whilst most in NZ will never achieve the Fortune 500 status, neverthless the same issues are just as real.

Book 18th August in your diary as the date for this month’s networking event of Auckland ICT. We have an interesting topic, a great speaker and an impressive new venue – TelstraClear Smales Farm Office Park. TelstraClear are sponsoring the event.

Lance Wiggs will share some of his experiences with a number of technology companies to show how to approach pricing to maximise the value of your company. This will be an interactive session, so come prepared with questions and to share your views.

Lance is a consultant and director. He spent time with McKinsey in the USA, advised Trade Me, was a co-founder of Pacific Fibre and several other start-ups including PowerKiwi, which retails FlowerPower on Powershop. He is a Director of Texmate NZ limited, Cadimage/Archicad and a Councillor on Internet NZ.

Lance has a B Technology (Product Development) and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from Yale. Read more on his blog Lance Wiggs.

Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.

Do check on the latest News and Member News on the Auckland ICT website: http://www.aucklandict.org.nz

NZ2011 Checklist – for Auckland ICT members

Rutherford Innovation Showcase

Auckland ICT will be exhibiting at the Rutherford Innovation Showcase from 26-28 September. We invite all members to participate by:

Submitting material to be displayed on the HoloDesk, which is an interactive touch screen.

Submitting hi-res images that could be used for banners.

Volunteering to be on our booth during the break periods over the three day event.

Attending some of the sessions. There is no charge, but you do need to register in advance.

Some members may wish to have their own booth. See the Exhibitors page for information about exhibiting.

Our September event will be the South Pacific Entrepreneur Event on Tuesday 27 September. We will have a second HoloDesk on display for this event.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Business Matching & AGM

John Brakenridge, CEO of the NZ Merino Company is the main speaker at the April 2011 AucklandICT meeting. This is your chance to get involved in business activities in the ICT sector around Rugby World Cup 2011. There are now less than 150 days to go! Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.

RWC2011 Business Matching
John Brakenridge, CEO of NZ Merino is an articulate and passionate advocate of importance of the RWC2011 to New Zealand and the business community. John won the Outstanding Leader Award in the 2010 NZ International Business Awards.

NZ Merino is an outstanding example of transforming a commodity into premium value-added product. John has a great story to tell and he is an engaging and inspirational presenter. Hear how disruptive thinking and a clear vision and strategy transformed the NZ merino industry. John will also talk about novel ways to unlock more potential from products and markets. Technology, such as RFID, plays an important part in the success of NZ Merino.

NZ Merino uses some novel marketing approaches, such as social media, to talk with, rather than talking to its customers and other stakeholders. RWC2011 and the business matching present unparalleled opportunities to raise the profile of business and to create new relationships. There is also scope for the various sectors to work together. This is how NZ Merino is making the most of the Business Club.

Rutherford Innovation Showcase
Hear the latest update about ICT showcasing plans throughout the Rugby World Cup from Rob Costello, NZICT Program Coordinator. With much more focus of the Rutherford Innovation Showcase now being brought to Auckland, there will be many opportunities for local companies to get involved with a range of activities including showcasing, hosting, one to one business matching and VIP interaction. Find out about the extensive range of forum events taking place across the country and how you can get involved.

Check out the ICT section of the Real NZ Showcase.

The NZ2011 Business Club Rugby World Cup 2011 presents an unprecedented opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its innovation and creativity in the ICT sector. But what can local businesses do to participate?

The NZ2011 Business Club creates opportunities for businesses to host visitors in similar industries or with common interests and show them the real New Zealand. By hosting international business people, New Zealand businesses that take part in the programme will make valuable business connections. The programme will suit business looking to expand through capital investment, exports or innovation.
Membership is free and open to all. Click here to join the club.

Come along and hear Suzanne McKinnon, Auckland Business Club Engagement and Delivery Manager explain this concept and how you can participate.

Break-out GroupsThe break-out groups will discuss ideas of how to get involved and what specific actions will be taken. Come along to share your views, learn from others and get involved in an initiative. There are plenty of opportunities!

AucklandICT Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 5.30pm before the start of the main event. We encourage all members to attend and we are seeking nominations for the committee. Much work is done behind the scenes and we need some new committee members to bring new ideas and contributed to the further development of Auckland ICT. Please contact Simon Fawkes or one of the other committee members if you are interested in joining the committee.

April Event Details
When: Wednesday 27 Apr 2011, 05.00.PM – 07.45.PM
Where: Simpson Grierson, Shortland Street, Auckland

Event Details5.00pm – Registration, drinks & finger food
5.30pm – AGM for Auckland ICT members
5.45pm – Welcome
5.50pm – John Brakenridge, NZ Merino
6.20pm – Rob Costello, NZICT Group
6.30pm – Suzanne McKinnon, Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development
6.40pm – Breakout Groups
6.55pm – Report back from each group
7.10pm – Update on Auckland ICT events & projects
7.15pm – Member prize draw and further networking
Finish 7.45pm

Event CostPayment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance. We do not accept payment by credit card.

Auckland ICT Members
$15 Members can bring one guest at the member rate!
Full-time students $10
Members of NZICT Group Nil, as this is a joint event
Non-members $25

Contacts
If you have any questions, please phone Kevin Andreassend on 09-414 2348
Email Debbie Hassell at events@aucklandict.org.nz to register your attendance.

Posted by AucklandICT President, Kevin Andreassend

CREATING STRONGER UNIVERSITY BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

Sir Ray Avery. New Zealander of the Year 2010 and CEO of Medicine Mondiale will be guest speaker.

NZ industry has an active relationship with universities at many levels, and this event. High Tech R & D helps to bring together the parties to engage and collaborate.

Seven universities showcasing their leading edge innovations and services in:

– Design
– Rapid Product Development
– Sensing, Control & Automation
– Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
– Technology & Innovation Management
– Electrical & Electronic Engineering
– Radio Astronomy and the SKA
– Sports and exercise science
– Digital Content

Potential opportunities and collaborations – Networking and one-on-one discussions with NZ’s top research talent.
What could your organisation achieve through partnering with New Zealand’s top researchers? Come and find out.

Click here to Register

Wednesday 9th February 2011, 5.30-8pm
AUT Conference Facility, 55 Wellesley St. East

Auckland ICT (now branded as HiTech Auckland members are strongly encouraged to particiapte in this event.

A project sponsored by the Tertiary Education Commission | Parking available – charge applies

November Meeting – Opportunities for Auckland ICT companies in the World Rugby Cup 2011

Auckland ICT November event focuses on commercial opportunities for the Rugby World Cup. Sharon Hunter, an outstanding entrepreneur and a member of the 2011 Group established by the Government, will deliver a presentation. There is now just under two years before the RWC 2011 starts.

Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.

RWC 2011 will be held across New Zealand over a six-week period in September and October 2011. Twenty countries will participate in the 48-game Tournament.

But the eyes of the world will be on Auckland for the business end of the Tournament when Eden Park plays host to the final on 23 October as well as both semi-finals the weekend before. Auckland will also host eight pool matches including the opening match at Eden Park on 9 September.

Held every four years, RWC is the third-biggest sporting event in the world. The 2011 Tournament will have an estimated television audience of more than four billion people, and we expect at least 60,000 international visitors to come to New Zealand.

The RWC 2011 is far more than 48 rugby games, as it represents a truly unique opportunity to showcase NZ and to foster personal as well as business relationships. We all have a role to play in ensuring that all visitors leave our shores having enjoyed the best-ever Rugby World Cup.

The Government has established the 2011 Group – a body of eminent and energetic New Zealanders who will advise and work with RWC Ministers and the New Zealand 2011 Office. This group will be led by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and includes Sharon Hunter, Michael Hill, Wally Stone, Bob Harvey, John Hart and Sir David Gascoigne.

Sharon Hunter will talk about the goals and aspirations of this group. She will also give her views on:

– What this event means for NZ and in particular the Auckland Region.

– Why it is a great opportunity for local SME businesses to get involved including networking and collaborative initiatives.

– Some entrepreneurial insights that could ignite and inspire Auckland ICT members to get involved with the opportunities brought by the tournament.

– The AucklandPlus presentation will cover the following topics:

– Auckland ‘s opportunity (economic/business potential – the numbers)

– Business opportunities guide (a publication designed to get businesses thinking about how they can capitalise on RWC 2011)

– Getting involved (what are the opportunities?)

– Tenderlink (the new tender site for RWC 2011 opportunities)

– Major Events Management Act (the legislation that protects RWC sponsors – what businesses need to know)

– Planning and Training

– Getting started (start planning now)

– See Auckland 2011 Countdown to Rugby World Cup for more information on what is happening in Auckland over the next two years.

As part of the evening discussion groups will explore;

– How do you think Auckland ICT members could make the most of the opportunities associated with the RWC2011?

– Each discussion group can choose whatever topic the participants consider relevant.

– Report back on the top three ideas from each group.

– We will summarise the feedback and make this available on the member area of the Auckland ICT website.

“RWC2011 Business Opportunities”

When – Thursday, 26 November

Where – Auckland Town Hall Reception Lounge, 301 Queen Street , level 2

(Clock Tower entrance on Queen Street ), Auckland

Schedule

5.00pm Registration, drinks & finger food

5.45 Welcome

5.50 Presentation by Sharon Hunter

6.10 Five one-minute presentations by Auckland ICT members

6.15 Presentation by AucklandPlus

6.35 Breakout groups

6.50 Report back

7.00 Member prize draw and further networking

7.30 Finish

Event Cost

We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance.

We do not accept payment by credit card.

Cluster Members – $15

Full-time students – $10

Members of NZICT Group – $20

Non-members – $25

Prepay Event Attendance

Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.

Registration:

If you have not already done so, you will need to register and add your Offer & Seek details on the new website. You will automatically be registered upon confirmation of your email address. You will then be able to register for events.

Please register for this event by 6 pm on Tuesday 24 November. Contact Debbie Hassell at admin@aucklandict.org.nz if you have any problems or questions.

We will circulate the Offer & Seek list to all those who have registered prior to the event to help everyone make the right connections.

Auckland ICT wishes to thank Auckland City Council for hosting this event and for providing the food and drinks.

Posted by Kevin Andreassend, President, Auckland ICT,

Managing Director ICE AV Technology Ltd

http://www.iceav.co.nz

NZ ICT Employment Survey

NZICT Group undertook a survey of its members earlier this year to understand more about the skills shortage in the New Zealand ICT industry. The information contained in the survey report was useful in defining the nature of the skills shortage and identifying some short term potential courses of action required to ensure a strong ICT industry.

The NZICT Group is extending the catchment of the Employment survey out to other ICT companies with a view to establishing it as an annual, industry-wide survey and gaining a more comprehensive overview of the skills shortage issue for New Zealand ICT organisations. Current survey closes 21 August 2009.

This online survey has been initiated by NZICT Group in association with the Ministry of Economic Development. Auckland ICT committee member Chris Mitchell, Axcel Institute has compiled the online version of the survey and collating the results.

Contribute your voice to the survey here.

This survey addresses the following major areas:
1. Have you had difficulty recruiting for ICT roles over the last six months?
2. Are you looking to increase or decrease staff or contractors over the next six months?
3. What are your current practices and perceptions of employing or retraining staff without ICT skills or qualifications?
4. If you are (potentially) involved in the Government’s Ultra Fast Broadband Roll-out what are the implications for skills availability?
5. What are the immigration related issues that impact on your business?
6. What are your current practices with respect to internships, student projects and graduate recruitment?

Your response will assist greatly in building a national profile of New Zealand’s immediate and future ICT skill needs and provide a basis for future action for NZICT.

Social Media hands on Boot Camp where we take you through the steps of creating your online presence. STRICTLY LIMITED PLACES.

July – Industrial Research Ltd

The July 2009 event is being held and hosted by IRL Ltd, the NZ Government’s Research company, previously known as the DSIR.
Industrial Research Limited (IRL) is a government owned research enterprise committed to providing scientific and engineering excellence to the private sector. Based in three cities (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch), IRL offers research and development services to the growing NZ ICT sector. To remain competitive New Zealand industry needs to address a number of key market drivers including the desire for faster, denser communications and processing, the desire for mobility, and the desire to reduce costs. This is known as physical layer ICT and this is where IRL’s research expertise and associated services are focused. Our key capabilities comprise digital signal processing algorithm development, photonic materials chemistry and device physics, embedded software and electronics, and hardware design and development.

Robert Valkenburg will give a review of IRL and the key research areas of interest to the ICT community before, presenting an in depth demonstration of the scene-scanner mobile scanning technology for rapid photorealistic 3D digital model creation.

Date 30 July 2009
Start time 5.30pm
Location: 24 Balfour Street, Parnell, Auckland

Programme
5.15 Registration, drinks & finger food
5.30 Welcome and Networking
6.00 5 one minute presentations by cluster members
6.10 IRL Presentation and demonstration.
7.15 Further networking
7.30 Finish
Event Cost
We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance. We do not accept payment by credit card.
Cluster Members – $15
Full-time students – $10
Members of NZICT Group – $20
Non-members – $25
Prepay Event Discount
Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.

Registration:
RSVP by email to RSVP by 27 July 2009 to events@aucklandict.org.nzby 6 pm on 27 July with the following information:
Name
Company
What you are offering now (up to 25 words)
What you are seeking now (up to 25 words)
We will circulate a list of all those who have registered at the event to help everyone make the right connections.

www.whatsyourproblemnz.co.nz
Toll free number 0508 CALL IRL (0508 2255475).

Posted by Kevin Andreassend