Digital Basecamp 3.43

Giving people the space and power to make things that matter.

Over a series of months and through informal and formal hui, meetings, discussions and strategic planning sessions, a passionate and dynamic consortium of diverse digital creators have come together with a vision to turn the heart of Rotorua into the ‘Digital Capital’ of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This idea evolved and soon we had a core group of innovators; app and software developers, web designers, storytellers, 2D and 3D animators, illustrators, professional comms and media drivers, tech whizz-kids and social media influencers.

Our vision is to create a dynamic and collaborative space where content creators and digital creatives can connect with one another, to create, develop and innovate. We believe this can be achieved by starting in the heart of Rotorua. To do that we have set out to establish a collaborative shared space that promotes and celebrates digital tech opportunities.

Importantly, we want to create a space where tech startups and existing companies can collaborate and share in the energy of digital creation.

Contributing to what is the third largest export sector in New Zealand (behind dairy and tourism); the tech sector, which was worth $6.5 billion in exports in 2016.

Digital Natives Academy, a non-profit dedicated to helping inspire and encourage whānau to explore tech industries, will use this space to support our community to gain valuable skills by accessing digitally focused internships, apprenticeships, free workshops, wānanga and seminars.

We know that there are successful businesses who want to surround themselves with other experts, to synergise and leverage off the collective strengths that come from being within the same environment.

This is what our space is made for.

By doing this, we hope to create a shift in the “silo mentality” and help smart, creative people relocate their successful businesses from homes and garages into the inner city.

Here, they can connect, share, develop and inspire each other as well as our community.

Each of us has come together with the aim of helping enhance and support digital innovation within Rotorua by weaving together our dynamic and vibrant skills, networks and communities.

Nau mai haere mai - come drink the koolaid <3