Callaghan Innovation
Bernard adds that the Bay of Plenty is also awaiting decisions by Callaghan Innovation on funding towards a local technology innovation centre.
“Another specific local tech project worth mentioning is the University of Waikato’s Traffic and Road Safety research group,” Bernard adds.
“This team have been working to develop special eye-tracker technology that enables their researchers to see what types of movement are distracting drivers.
“Their research has provoked legislative change and the team work with Government agencies like NZTA, Ministry of Transport, and ACC to ensure the practical application of their technology.
“With The Startup Factory NZ soon launching their incubation hub in Hamilton city we can expect to see more growth in the region’s tech sector.”
Tech talent shortage
With a growing tech sector, Bernard believes “so many more” tech professionals are happy in their current role meaning less are considering jumping ship.
“It is no surprise that the latest Absolute IT Employer Insight Survey show that the biggest internal business challenge Waikato and Bay of Plenty employers are facing this year is ‘attracting staff’ and ‘creating a positive workplace culture’ to hold onto the talent they’ve already got,” Bernard adds.
“The region’s tech sector is packed to the brim with exciting career opportunities from entry level support roles to management.”
According to Bernard, the top tech skill sets in high demand in the region are dominated by business analysis, project management and architecture, followed at a distance by business intelligence, networking and infrastructure and support/helpdesk.
The latest Absolute IT Remuneration Report shows the median base salary for IT professionals in the region is $70,000, which is $12,500 less than the national base and that 67 percent are also receiving additional benefits as part of their remuneration package – health insurance, mobile allowance, additional annual leave etc.
“While these figures are lower than our other three main centres, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, it is important to think about this in context compared with the cost of living,” Bernard adds.
Housing affordability in the region is getting better and better with Massey University’s latest housing affordability report showing an increase in affordability over the last quarter.
The average house price in Waikato is $325,000 and the average rents for Hamilton central are around $200-340 per week, coastal Waihi $250-370 per week, and Whakatane $240-340.
“These cheap rents trump their next door neighbour Auckland whose CBD rents range from $340 – 470 per week,” Bernard adds.
“For those currently living in Auckland and not quite ready to pick up and move city, you might also be tempted by the fact Hamilton city is only a short commute (against traffic!) from Auckland.”