Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into New Zealand's Tech Scene

If you're trying to get your foot in the door of New Zealand's booming tech scene, networking is an absolute must. This country's tech industry is poppin' off like crazy, with major hubs like Auckland and Wellington leading the charge.

Just in Auckland alone, there are over 16,000 tech companies employing nearly 50,000 tech professionals! But what makes New Zealand's tech scene so dope is its tight-knit community and collaborative vibe.

As serial entrepreneur Sarah Lopez puts it, "New Zealand is a village, and everyone knows everyone." So building meaningful connections can open up some sick opportunities, no cap.

The benefits of networking are endless.

A strong professional network expands your access to job leads, mentorship prospects, and potential collaborators. According to LinkedIn, a whopping 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Plus, research shows that referrals account for nearly 30% of tech hires in New Zealand. Some key sectors to tap into include software and IT services, digital media and entertainment, fintech and e-commerce, and agritech and cleantech.

So whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, immersing yourself in New Zealand's vibrant tech community through strategic networking can take your career to the next level.

Don't sleep on dope events like Startup Weekend New Zealand or local tech meetups either - those are prime spots to make connections and get your name out there.

Tech meetups are where it's at if you wanna get your foot in the door of New Zealand's buzzing tech scene. These shindigs let you link up with folks who get it, swap ideas, and stay fresh on what's poppin' in the industry.

Two major meetups you gotta check out are Startup Weekend Auckland and WellingTech.

Startup Weekend Auckland is a 54-hour thrill ride where you team up, build startups from scratch, and pitch to investors and mentors.

Since kickin' it off in 2010, they've hosted over 50 events with thousands of participants. 35% of attendees scored new job opportunities, and a whopping 76% kept hustling on their startup ideas after the event.

One success story is Termly, a privacy policy startup that raked in $1.2 million in seed funding after attending Startup Weekend Auckland.

Over in the capital, WellingTech is a non-profit organization that throws regular meetups, hackathons, and workshops for tech junkies.

With a community of over 2,000 members, it's a sweet spot for networking, knowledge sharing, and collabs. Attendees can:

• Level up from industry pros through tech talks and panel discussions
• Connect with potential employers and snag job opportunities
• Collaborate on projects and flex their skills

Mary Moore, a WellingTech attendee, said

"The meetups have been clutch for expanding my professional network and keeping up with the latest tech. I've made connections that led to job opportunities and collaborations."

If you want to be a part of the tech scene in New Zealand, then joining professional organizations like NZTech and IT Professionals New Zealand is a must-do.

These groups are like the cool kids' clubs for techies, but instead of just hanging out, you get to level up your career game.

Let's start with NZTech.

This non-profit crew has over 1,000 organizations under its wing, covering everything from software to telecommunications. Just head to their website, sign up, and boom – you're in! Once you're a member, you'll get access to exclusive networking events where you can rub shoulders with industry bigwigs, startup founders, and investors who could be your next big break.

NZTech also hooks you up with policy advice, research, and resources to help you stay ahead of the game.

Plus, they offer tailored programs and insights to upskill your team, keeping you all at the top of your game.

Now, let's talk about IT Professionals New Zealand.

This organization is specifically for IT pros like you and me. Whether you're an individual, a student, or part of a corporation, they've got membership options to suit your needs.

Once you're in, you'll have access to a network of IT experts from various domains, so you can always find someone who speaks your language.

IT Professionals NZ gives you the hookup with professional development opportunities like events, webinars, and workshops to keep your skills sharp.

And if that's not enough, they even offer exclusive discounts on certifications, training, and industry resources, so you can keep learning and growing without breaking the bank.

As IT Professionals NZ President David Brown says, "Our members gain a competitive edge by staying ahead of industry trends and connecting with like-minded professionals." So, what are you waiting for? Join these organizations and take your tech career to new heights!

You know hackathons are the place to be if you wanna level up your networking game. These epic coding marathons bring together some of the coolest minds in the biz to create mind-blowing software in just a couple of days.

But it's not just about the code - it's a golden opportunity to connect with people who share your passion for innovation. You can max out your networking efforts by participating in hackathons and meeting like-minded devs from all walks of life.

In New Zealand, two hackathons that should definitely be on your radar are GovHack NZ and AngelHack Wellington.

GovHack is an annual civic hackathon where teams get to use government data and resources to come up with solutions for real-world issues like climate change and public health.

Last year, over 500 participants across 8 locations created 100+ projects - talk about epic! As for AngelHack Wellington, it's part of the global AngelHack series and gives devs, designers, and entrepreneurs a 24-hour window to conceptualize tech-driven solutions for businesses and communities.

Previous events even led to some sick startup launches and opportunities to network with venture capitalists.

But why should you care about hackathons, you ask? Well, a study by HackerEarth revealed that 64% of developers credited these events for expanding their professional network, with 20% landing jobs through the connections they made.

To make the most of it, experts suggest forming a diverse team, participating in mentorship sessions, engaging with judges (who are often industry leaders), and sharing your contact details and portfolio to stay connected after the event.

As Michael Harris of GovHack NZ said, hackathons are "an unparalleled platform for making connections" in New Zealand's thriving tech scene.

Look, leveraging LinkedIn is a gamechanger for networking your way into New Zealand's buzzing tech scene. With over 700 million professionals on the platform, you've got opportunities to connect with influencers in tech hotspots like Wellington and Auckland.

One strategy is to get personal with your connection requests, hitting them with a concise intro highlighting your shared interests or goals – that's a power move.

In Wellington, you've got to connect with these tech titans on LinkedIn:

• Douglas Talbot, the CEO of Takticians and a renowned thought leader in the tech industry
• David Godfrey, a key player at Transpower New Zealand and an active member of the TechLeaders Executive
• Michael Perez, Founder and CEO of Orion Health, a leading healthcare software provider

Auckland's tech scene is on fire too, with game-changers like:

• Elizabeth Wilson, Co-founder and President of Massive, a leading player in the video game industry
• Naresh Sandrasekara, CEO of TechWomen and advocate for women in STEM fields
• Susan Martinez, Co-founder and CEO of Navigo, a successful Auckland-based software company

Once you're linked up, stay engaged with these influencers' content, share your insights, and join the discussions – that's how you build professional relationships.

As Nucamp Coding Bootcamp advises, "Don't just connect and ghost – make a real effort to engage with your new connections' updates and activities.

That's how you'll stay top-of-mind and open doors for collabs down the line."

Coworking spaces in New Zealand are the real deal when it comes to meeting new people and getting your networking game on point in the tech world. These places are like a playground for professionals, where you can connect with like-minded individuals and discover opportunities to collaborate or even land your next gig.

• Coworking spaces: Take The Crate, for instance. This coworking spot in Auckland and Hamilton is designed specifically for freelancers and contractors, offering a flexible and productive environment. They host events and workshops regularly, giving you a chance to learn new skills and mingle with experts in your field.
• Creative environments: But that's not all! The Architecture and Design Library in Wanaka is a coworking space tailored for creatives, surrounded by inspiring resources and a community of professionals. They've even got a sweet Winter Warmer Bundle deal going on right now, making it easier for you to get in on the action.
• Networking and collaboration: The best part? These spaces are designed to foster networking and collaboration. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might arise. Whether it's attending social events, joining workshops, or simply striking up a conversation over a cup of coffee, coworking spaces are the perfect breeding ground for expanding your network and staying ahead of the game in the tech scene.

Alright, if you wanna get plugged into the sick tech scene in New Zealand! One of the easiest ways is by joining online communities like Meetup and Reddit's r/newzealand.

These virtual hangouts are where all the cool techies gather, and they're gateways to some dope in-person networking opportunities.

On Meetup, you'll find a ton of groups for all your tech interests, whether you're into coding, AI, or containerization.

In Auckland, check out the Tech for Good New Zealand group with over 900 members who are using technology for social impact projects.

If you're in Christchurch, the Canterbury Tech site has a list of all the hottest local meetups, like the Christchurch AI group and the Christchurch Test Professionals Network.

These groups host regular meetups, workshops, and hackathons, so you'll have plenty of chances to network and show off your skills.

As for Reddit, the r/newzealand community is where it's at for everything related to our country, including the thriving tech scene.

With over 200,000 members, you'll find job postings, tech event discussions, and opportunities to showcase your mad skills. Just remember to follow the rules of reddiquette – be respectful, and contribute something valuable.

Share your expertise, offer up insightful comments, and you'll be cultivating connections with the best of 'em in no time.

Networking at industry conferences is the move if you wanna level up your professional game.

These epic events bring together the biggest names, innovators, and game-changers from the tech world, making it the perfect spot to connect with people who can take your career to new heights.

In New Zealand, two conferences are legendary: Techweek NZ and ITx.

First up, Techweek NZ in July 2024 is gonna be insane. We're talking a full week packed with events, workshops, and speakers from all over the country.

Last year, over 42,000 attendees showed up for 540+ events, proving it's the ultimate networking hub.

Whether you're in Auckland's buzzing startup scene or Wellington's cutting-edge AI circles, Techweek NZ is your ticket to rubbing shoulders with the right people, gaining knowledge, and building connections that matter.

Then there's ITx, New Zealand's biggest tech conference, happening in November 2024 in Auckland.

This massive event attracts over 2,500 attendees annually, including industry legends, entrepreneurs, and rising stars.

Last year's edition featured 120+ speakers across 6 stages, diving into the latest trends like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and emerging tech. Attendees can't stop raving about the unbeatable networking opportunities at ITx.

One attendee even landed their dream job just by casually chatting with a CTO during a coffee break!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, immersing yourself in the electric atmosphere of conferences like Techweek NZ and ITx can seriously boost your career.

It's the perfect chance to build lasting connections, gain cutting-edge insights, and position yourself at the forefront of New Zealand's thriving tech scene.

Want an insider's scoop on leveling up your networking game in the buzzing New Zealand tech scene? Then hop on the volunteer train for epic events like WordCamp NZ and DevFest NZ! These gigs aren't just about fetching coffee (though they might hit you up for that too).

You'll be rubbing shoulders with the coolest cats in the industry, soaking up their wisdom, and flexing your tech muscles for everyone to see.

At WordCamp, you'll dive headfirst into the world of WordPress - the platform that powers like a bajillion websites (give or take a few).

Designers, developers, content wizards, they'll all be there, sharing their secrets to WordPress domination. And as a volunteer, you're basically getting a VIP pass to pick their brains.

Jennifer Martin, a former WordCamp volunteer, said it was a total

"game-changer"

for her career.

But that's not all! DevFest NZ is where the dev bosses come to play.

As a volunteer, you could be assisting with event setup, facilitating networking sessions (because let's be real, that's where the real magic happens), or just soaking up the cutting-edge tech knowledge like a sponge.

The website says volunteers are the MVPs who make the whole shindig possible, so you know you'll be treated like royalty.

Of course, scoring these sweet volunteer gigs is half the battle.

Keep a hawk-eye on the official websites and socials for when those applications open up (usually months in advance, so stay woke). Or, you could always hit up the organizers directly and slide into their DMs with your sparkling enthusiasm.

Just don't be that person who bombards them with messages at 3 AM. Play it cool, and the opportunities will come knocking!

Alright, let's talk about leveling up in New Zealand's tech scene! If you wanna stay ahead of the game and make those vital connections, you gotta embrace the grind of continuous learning.

And what better way to do that than by taking some sick short tech courses? Two places that'll hook you up are Xero and Dev Academy Aotearoa.

Xero, the cloud accounting maestros, offer dope training programs to level up your skills in areas like Xero Advisor Certification, Xero Payroll, and Xero Projects.

But it's not just about the knowledge – these courses are a prime spot to connect with like-minded learners, industry pros, and potential collaborators. As their events page says, you can "grow your network while you learn." Pretty rad, right?

Then there's Dev Academy Aotearoa, the coding bootcamp that'll have you slinging code like a boss.

Their immersive programs teach you the tech skills that employers are thirsting for. And according to one student's LinkedIn post, "The networking opportunities at Dev Academy are incredible - you'll meet people from all walks of life, and you'll leave with a supportive community of friends and colleagues." Throughout the course, you'll work on projects, hit up industry events, and get mentored by seasoned pros, building up a solid network for your future endeavors.

So, by investing in these short courses, you're not just leveling up your skills – you're also unlocking a whole world of networking potential:

1. Connecting with other tech-obsessed individuals
2. Rubbing shoulders with industry experts and potential mentors
3. Collaborating on projects to solidify those practical skills
4. Attending dope networking events hosted by the institutions
5. Building a supportive professional network to boost your career

As the tech world keeps evolving at lightning speed, embracing that lifelong learning mindset and capitalizing on the networking power of these courses can seriously propel your career in New Zealand's thriving tech ecosystem.

Stay hungry!

In tech, contributing to open source projects is the way to network and grow professionally. Open source collabs foster an environment where people share knowledge, innovate, and build community - the key ingredients for kickstarting careers in New Zealand's buzzing tech scene.

Groups like Kiwicon and Catalyst IT are leaders in open source dev, offering loads of chances for aspiring techies to team up, learn, and connect.

According to an article from Get Merit, open source contributions aren't just about coding - they're an immersive journey that nurtures skills, builds connections, expands technical horizons, and propels career trajectories.

Meanwhile, Clearcode's blog highlights how contributing improves coding skills, gains experience, increases recognition, boosts job prospects, and allows developers to enhance software for their own use.

Kiwicon, New Zealand's premier cybersecurity event, has an active community dedicated to projects like Budgie, while consultancy Catalyst IT has played a key role in developing tools like Kubernetes Bundle.

To get involved, check out Kiwicon's GitHub repos and Catalyst IT's open source projects.

Attend local events like tech meetups mentioned on Nucamp's blog to connect with others.

As Kiwicon contributor Mary Garcia says, "The open source community has been instrumental in my growth. Collaborating expanded my skills and provided networking opportunities that advanced my career."