Opposition critical of Finance Minister after grim fiscal update, and the death toll from Vanuatu's 7.4 magnitude quake rises to 14. Video / NZ Herald, Getty, Michael Thompson
Moffett said about four months ago he took a chance and emailed the technology entrepreneur and founder of publicly listed software accounting firm Xero, asking for sponsorship of his second-hand uniform website.
Much to his surprise, he received an email reply asking for a pitch and later received $1500 to put towards the website’s running costs.
“I was pretty stoked,” Moffett said.
“He told me it’s a really great idea and will help a lot of people.”
Hugo Moffett has been building his website and hopes more people will list school uniform items. Photo / Paul Taylor
He said the sponsorship money would enable him to focus more on marketing the site which was already used by 300 people and has about 200 listings from around the country.
Moffett launched the New Zealand School Uniform website, which was designed for buyers and sellers to connect in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to buy school uniforms, in May.
He has since rebranded it to Get Uniformed, a decision to make it easier to find online.
“It definitely feels good. There is a review section on the site and I’ve got lots of positive feedback from that.”
Drury and Moffett also share a high school having both been educated at Napier Boys' High School.
The youngster said he was inspired by Drury’s work ethic and “built from the ground-up” initiatives, saying he wanted to follow a similar pathway.
Moffett said the past seven months had been a great learning experience, understanding everything from building the website, maintaining it and marketing it to users.
Rod Drury, pictured in 2017, says Moffett's website is a great initiative. Photo / Mike Scott
“I asked him the other day if there was any Rod Drury wisdom that he could give and he said to reach out.”
Moffett hoped more parents would come on board with the idea, especially with the end of the school year.
“I’m expecting hopefully a lot of listings and when school starts up again or a couple of weeks before then hopefully more sales will come in.”
Drury, the former CEO of Xero, told Hawke’s Bay Today he was approached by Moffett.
“He nailed it and so I was happy to support. It’s a great initiative.”
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
