Whanganui Tech Network is thrilled to announce the
regional launch of Techweek 2024, a nationwide celebration
of technology aimed at showcasing the vibrant tech ecosystem
in Whanganui and connecting it with the global digital
network.
Techweek 2024, from May 20 to 26, is a
collaborative effort between the Whanganui Tech Network and
Whanganui & Partners, bringing the community together to
celebrate and explore advancements and opportunities in
technology.
Since its inception as a Charitable Trust
in June 2023, the Whanganui Tech Network has been dedicated
to fostering connections and promoting growth within the
Information and Communications Technology sector in
Whanganui. With a vision to empower the digital journey of
the Whanganui community, driven by Whanganui, for Whanganui,
the Tech Network aims to create a thriving and inclusive
tech sector that benefits the entire
community.
Techweek 2024 will highlight the importance
of technology in Whanganui’s economy and community
development. As Whanganui experiences significant population
growth and economic expansion, the Tech Network recognises
the need to support and advocate for the local tech sector
with sights set on collaborating to provide education
pathways, support, and awareness of digital opportunities
and the people working in our tech sector.
Alan Nixon,
trustee for Whanganui Tech Network Charitable Trust and
co-owner of local tech company E-ology, said, “Our goal is
to be a member-led network that promotes a thriving,
fast-growing, and inclusive tech sector for
Whanganui.
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“Techweek 2024 serves as a platform to
showcase the innovation and talent within our community
while encouraging collaboration and engagement at all
levels.”
The vision for Techweek 2024 is to feature a
diverse range of events and activities designed to cater to
all members of the community. Previous years have included a
range of events such as gaming events for rangatahi, digital
marketing workshops for creatives, drop-ins and courses for
those needing assistance to get online for the first time or
knowing how to stay safe, to tech showcases in the
agriculture sector.
“We invite people and businesses
to join us in this exciting initiative by getting involved,
joining the planning committee, proposing or sponsoring an
event,” Nixon said. “The foundation of our network and the
support of our members has shown that there is a real wealth
of tech talent here in Whanganui that want to come together
and allow others to explore those
opportunities.”
Technology is a significant factor
across all the sectors Whanganui & Partners focuses on.
Rach Hoskin, Strategic Lead for Capability, said the
economic development agency prioritised advanced
manufacturing and logistics, agribusiness, creative
industries, and visitor industries.
“All of these
areas of strategic focus can benefit from a strong local
tech industry and we consider tech to be a crucial component
of Whanganui’s economic health.”
Hoskin said Whanganui
& Partners sees tech as a priority industry for
investment in Whanganui and working on building the city’s
own tech capability was essential, “Techweek 2024 is an
important contributor to this mahi and the industry’s
growth.”
For more information on how to participate in
Techweek 2024, including event proposals and sponsorship
opportunities, please contact techweek@whanganui.tech or
Whanganui & Partners.
The Tech Network is inviting
the public to join them as they celebrate technology and
innovation in Whanganui during Techweek
2024.
Contact:
The Whanganui Tech Network
Charitable Trust team/ Whanganui & Partners
Data
from Whanganui & Partners’ data partner Infometrics
shows:
Tech is an important growing industry for
Whanganui. There was growth of 2.6 per cent in ‘Professional, Scientific and Technical Services’ in
Whanganui in 2023. This area accounted for 5.2 per cent of
our GDP in 2023 and accounted for 4.8 per cent of filled
jobs.
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