Articles

Who: Nomad8 What: Business coaching and training NZ HQ: Auckland Who do you work with and what key challenges do you help them solve? Nomad8 works with business leaders, product teams, and organisations who want to improve how they build and deliver value, especially when speed, alignment and adaptability matter. We address challenges such as […]

Building a startup means making dozens of critical decisions with incomplete information. Should you incorporate as a limited company or start as a sole trader? How do you structure equity splits with co-founders? What legal documents do you actually need before approaching investors? These aren’t just administrative boxes to tick – they’re foundational choices that […]

It’s spring in New Zealand and Australia – time to spring clean your sales pipeline (and home)! Clear out any deadwood to focus your energy on those deals most likely to become confirmed sales. Clean up your sales pipeline to set up your sales revenue for the end of this year, and the beginning of […]

For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in New Zealand, cyber security has often been viewed as something only large corporates need to worry about. The perception is that banks, government agencies, and multinationals are the main targets. In reality, SMBs are increasingly being singled out by cyber criminals. Attackers understand that smaller organisations often […]

Video games are one of the biggest and most lucrative sectors of the worldwide software technology industry today, which is why big development studios pour so much money into creating them. Think Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Halo, which are amongst the most expensive video games ever made, with development budgets in the […]

Raising capital is one of the most crucial milestones in any startup’s journey, yet it’s also where many promising ventures stumble. The difference between a successful funding round and a missed opportunity often comes down to preparation – having the right legal structure, understanding what investors actually want to see, and knowing how to position […]

Auckland entrepreneur Julie MacCulloch has launched Localsville, a new online service designed to connect communities, foster friendships, and drive customers to local businesses — all while encouraging safe, independent socialising. The St Heliers–based founder says the platform is a culmination of years of development, evolving from her earlier ventures into social networking, through to a […]

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of thriving economies. From rural towns to bustling cities, when entrepreneurial activity grows, so does community vibrancy. More local businesses mean more reasons for people to visit, spend, and stay — which in turn attracts talent, investment, and new ideas. It’s a cycle that lifts entire regions. For Manuela Klevisser, founder […]

On ancestral whenua (land) at Ōwhata in Rotorua, a unique development is turning the tide on homeownership for Māori. Led by Ōwhata 2B and Ōwhata 7 Ahuwhenua Trusts, operating under the name Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau (OKR), a new initiative is bringing affordable and well-designed housing to whānau of Ngati Te Roro o Te Rangi and […]

Many software startup founders say the early days can feel like building a plane while flying it. Plans shift week to week. One minute it’s about product-market fit; the next it’s about rewriting the pricing model at 2am. Devin Deen has been there a few times. This time, with his new venture ThinkGo, the seasoned […]

GridAKL/John Lysaght, one of the main venues of this exciting week. [Photo Supplied]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder/s: Julz Nonoa [Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Tangahoe, Ngaruahine, Tainui] and Kiri Leach [Ngati Konohi, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti] Business: Whare Hau Tutū Founded: 2021 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? […]

When Wei Sun fell in love with New Zealand while on holiday in 2016, little did he know that he would be back nearly a decade later, launching a healthcare technology startup in Christchurch to build an affordable, effective AI gastrointestinal (GI) health management platform. Sun – a seasoned entrepreneur with a 25-year track record […]

Unconference and Workshops at AUT in Auckland on 7 and 8 August 2025. The event brings together entrepreneurs and supporters from all over New Zealand in a two day festival of networking, collaborative education, and getting sh!t done. At the Unconference on 8 August, the attendees set the agenda, and discuss items of importance on […]

It started with a fishing trip, a smoker, and a piece of Mānuka wood. A few years later, a simple stick has been transformed into an exciting natural pet product – Bonno, a uniquely Kiwi chew for dogs. But Bonno is more than just a dog chew. It’s a product with iconic New Zealand roots, […]

This is the story of an unusual games company making unusual games, built by a woman who followed an unusual career path.  Melanie (Mel) Langlotz is the founder and CEO of Geo AR Games, a game design studio that utilises augmented reality for “creating digital experiences that positively impact the world, fostering education and empowerment […]

The final four episodes of the PowerUp Podcast Season Five have now dropped, rounding out a compelling seven-part line-up of trailblazing Taranaki entrepreneurs who are making waves with their bold ideas and can-do attitudes. Brought to you by Regional Development Agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, and hosted by business advocate and NZ Story CEO, […]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder/s: Kate Forward & Stephen Ponsford Business: puawai Founded: 2024 HQ: wellington Can you tell us a bit about your business? Puāwai helps users ideate, execute, and scale their business in one […]

Part two of this series explores seven ways to improve CRM adoption and deliver maximum value. You’ve got a new CRM to support sales success. Why won’t your team use it? Part one of this series dealt with the practical steps to set up your CRM (customer relationship management system) for success. In Part two, […]

The PowerUp Accelerator officially kicked off last month, with six ambitious founders from Taranaki embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses. The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer […]

As the first co-working space in South Taranaki, Te W’anake The Foundry is proudly celebrating its second anniversary. With a strong base of full-time residents, the facility has become a thriving hub for freelancers, remote workers, startups, and entrepreneurs — and is looking to welcome many more through its doors. Since opening in February 2023, […]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founders: John Parker Business: Maddox Photography birding adventures Founded: January 2025 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? Maddox Photography NZ offers boutique birding adventures and my signature […]

Part of Tech Week 2025 Tuesday, 20 May 2025, Pullman Hotel Auckland – Join Stripe during Tech Week 2025 for an afternoon focused on SaaS growth strategies. We’ll cover pricing models, embedded payments, and international expansion. Hear real customer stories from New Zealand SaaS businesses, get familiar with Stripe’s tools, and connect with the local […]

Who: CyberGrape What: Managed Cyber Security Services Provider NZ HQ: Taranaki Who do you work with and what key challenges do you help them solve? At CyberGrape, we empower business owners and boards to take control of their cybersecurity by addressing critical vulnerabilities and closing security gaps. Our layered approach to security helps organisations safeguard […]

Data is everywhere—but are we making better decisions because of it? In boardrooms worldwide, executives justify choices with one magic phrase: “We have the data.” Numbers seem objective, turning opinion into fact — but, as an Auckland-based performance software company has identified, more data doesn’t always mean better decisions. The Data Paradox – When More […]

Feeling overwhelmed by lightning-fast shifts in technology, markets, and partnerships? From June 5–7, escape the inbox and join 100+ of New Zealand’s top business minds in Queenstown’s crisp autumn air. Three days of laser-focused sessions, high-impact strategies, and exclusive networking will give you the tools, connections, and insider insights to lead rather than follow. Lock […]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founders: Ester Salvatori Business: Holy Seeds Founded: 2022 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? Holy Seeds is a new collection of mostly organic, all-natural, handcrafted and vegan […]

Who: VistaPrint What: Small business marketing HQ: Victoria, Australia Who do you work with and what key challenges do you help them solve? VistaPrint is the print, design and marketing partner to millions of small businesses around the world. For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping businesses look and feel credible through high-quality custom […]

Who: OneFile What: Roster and File Management NZ HQ: Auckland Who do you work with and what key challenges do you help them solve? OneFile takes the hassle out of managing tasks like staff management, performance reviews, recording meeting notes, rostering and more. With everything organised in one place, it’s easy to access what you […]

The PowerUp podcast is back for season five with an inspiring line-up of trailblazing entrepreneurs, kicking off with James Donald, one of the brightest names in New Zealand’s tech startup scene. Brought to you by Regional Development Agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the PowerUp podcast continues to lift the lid on the Taranaki region’s […]