Priority One is the economic development organisation for the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region. After discussions with key local ICT businesses, Priority One established the ICT cluster in October 2003. Key areas of focus for the cluster include information sharing to encourage synergies and collaboration to grow the sector for individual and mutual benefit and providing a voice for the industry. The cluster now has over 300 members from 160 ICT and related businesses.
The sharing of information helps solve common problems and build knowledge among members. In addition, there are opportunities for businesses to collaborate on tenders for national and international projects that would otherwise seem daunting. Local companies have gained tangible benefits from cluster membership, including access to skilled staff, delivery of joint projects, resource sharing opportunities and access to technical expertise and information.
Increasingly the cluster is focusing on the growth of software development companies. The aim is to encourage the exporting of ICT products and generate collaborative opportunities with other sectors using ICT as an export enabler. Members have a broad range of skills focused on delivering best of breed solutions to New Zealand’s key export markets.
The ICT cluster’s policies, structure and direction are the responsibility of the Steering Group, who meet once a month. Key issues for progression include initiatives to increase IT professionals in the region to alleviate growing skill shortages, the development of collaborative opportunities within the sector and with other sectors (eg export and manufacturing) and the growth of global relationships.
Informal networking events are held at 5:30pm on the second Thursday of every month upstairs at Usual Suspects on The Strand. Every three months the cluster holds a formal event and engages a speaker of national or international repute to address members.
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