But while it’s losing the town’s name from its brand, IT Centre Managing Director Rob Facer is clear about crediting Wanaka’s go-getting spirit for the company’s growth.
“Wanaka is incredibly entrepreneurial and outward-facing for a town of its size,” he says. “As Wanaka has grown and expanded, so have we – so the time has come for a name and brand that better reflects the broad scope of what we do.”
Rob set up Wanaka Computers 14 years ago with wife Linda Montgomery. Back then it was just the two of them, and a few dozen clients. They’ve seen a period of immense growth: the company now has six staff, and last year had 600 active clients.
“Although we’re proudly Wanaka-based, our clients cover the whole of the lower South Island – even as far afield as Auckland,” says Rob. “We felt IT Centre better sums up who we are, and also conveys the idea that IT is central to business because it’s about how we all connect and communicate.”
The company is also planning a move to the Three Parks commercial development next year, ensuring it’s well positioned for future expansion.
According to Rob, the sophistication and diversity of Wanaka’s IT requirements are a world away from where they were 14 years ago. Back then the majority of his business clients were in tourism. Today IT Centre’s clientele cover diverse sectors from management consultancy to helicopter maintenance – with many connecting to global customers, suppliers and partners.
“I don’t believe there’s another town in New Zealand that could give technology experts like us such a fascinating and growing mix of clients, coupled with the lifestyle we have here in Wanaka,” he says.
“I think we’re possibly the luckiest tech geeks in New Zealand.”