Big buzz around tech job
Technology Queenstown has received nearly 200 applications for its CEO role.
Founder and Chair Roger Sharp says there has been interest from both local and international candidates since it launched the search just a week ago.
"We are looking forward to bringing talent on board and starting the hard work required to realise our 20-year vision for diversifying Queenstown’s economy through developing a low carbon, high value tech industry,” he says.
Genesis Energy and SBS Bank have joined TQ as founding members, providing funding to back the technology development agency for five years, as it aims to develop a world-class niche tech ecosystem locally.
They join founding members Accenture, Queenstown Resort College, the University of Otago and North Ridge Partners, all of whom sit on the TQ Council, TQ’s peak body.
SBS Bank Group Chief Executive Mark McLean says it will create opportunities for people across the region.
“The team at TQ has stepped up with a clear vision to cultivate a billion-dollar technology industry and SBS is pleased to support it to take the steps to maximise the opportunity," McLean says.
“Building a vibrant tech industry in this part of the country will create opportunity for people across the region. With 155 years’ of backing Kiwis as a New Zealand-owned, mutual bank, SBS is delighted to champion this initiative to drive economic growth and resilience.”
Genesis Energy Chief Retail Officer Stephen England-Hall, the former RealNZ boss, believes the transition and diversification of our regional economies is vital to create a thriving and sustainable Aotearoa.
“The TQ team has taken the nascent technology sector as the foundation stone of a new billion-dollar industry for Queenstown Lakes, and that’s something we want to get behind, partner with others and help make happen.
“Our strategy commits us to investment in energy-related technology to support New Zealand toward net-zero 2050. Genesis shares strong alignment with the aspirations of TQ in ensuring we live, work and play in a more economically and environmentally sustainable country.”
Alongside the Founding Members, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Queenstown Airport Corporation Limited have signed up as TQ’s first Capital Members, providing start-up funding contributions to help TQ fund its initial set-up expenses in support of economic diversification in the Queenstown Lakes.
