Whanganui computer business expands with extra staff

New Zealand Computing Solutions team. See bottom of the story for names. Photo/ Natalie Sixtus

Behind every new machine is an IT whiz, and the computer gang on Glasgow Street in Whanganui are no exception.

Greg Nixon, managing director of New Zealand Computing Solutions (NZCS), started the business as a one-man band in 1998. Since then it has grown to a staff of 13 in Whanganui - including three new arrivals - as well as an office in New Plymouth.

Creating new mobile apps, developing software and selling products in the international market is the company's arena.

Gilles Moecki has joined the team all the way from Switzerland as the newest software developer.

"Gilles is able to work with programmes in a language which very few can, so it is fantastic to have him on board," Mr Nixon said.

"He was living in Wellington when he applied for the job and it's great to be attracting people to Whanganui."

Newly-appointed computer engineer Brad Mottram has expanded NZCS's service desk.

"It has meant we've been able to work with more law firms in Whanganui. One software we created has been a programme for lawyers to manage their documents out of the office," Mr Nixon said.

As focus shifts to developing new products and gearing up for the international market, Belinda Mackintosh has been employed to take charge of accounts.

In order to give the company a competitive edge, it has created a new software development brand called Appmani.

Project operations manger Natasha Brechmanis said NZCS was separating its software development from the engineering side of the business.

"Appmani will operate as a branch of NZCS ... basically, we are trying to show people everything that we can do because often people don't realise," Ms Brechmanis said.

Mr Dixon said they were in the final stages of the company's latest product, an easy-to-use online form creator which should save time and money. It could be used to create things like job application forms or surveys for clients - "Any type of form, really," Mr Nixon said.

"The product is on trial but we are hoping for a launch in May. We will start selling to the UK, Canada and Australia, and then the United States where it is a more competitive market."

Mr Nixon said nearly half the company's clients were from Whanganui, with the rest across New Zealand and overseas.

"A while ago people weren't spending money on web development but now businesses can see the real advantages technology can bring - we are even seeing companies reducing staff in order to do so."

The NZCS team pictured is Michael Hopper, project manager Natasha Brechmanis, Gilles Moeckli, director Greg Nixon, Belinda Mackintosh, Brad Mottram, Courteney Nixon and Piraboo Vimalanathan.