Tauranga Tech - Gisborne

In January 2014, Ben Rickard created the Tauranga Tech website following a discussion at the inaugural meeting of the Welcome Bay Business Network at the Welcome Bay Community Centre. At the meeting, it was recognized that there were an increasing number of technology-based businesses setting up shop or relocating to Tauranga. As a result, Tauranga was awarded Google's regional prize and was named as one of New Zealand's top five “eTowns” in 2013. During the Business Network meeting, members spoke about how to attract more businesses to the area, and how to support current ones in order to ensure their success. In response, Ben realized that having an internet presence and a communication platform to promote the sector was essential, and thus, Taurangatech.co.nz was created.