Create opportunities and they will come
Kaitaia businessman Ian Walker acknowledges that regions such as the Far North “have it tough”, but he knows that Kaitaia can attract highly qualified people. He and his wife Anne have proved it.
“If we need things to happen we generally have to do it ourselves, or are forced go out of town,” Mr Walker said.
“Prior to setting up Folders five years ago, many Kaitaia businesses were forced to contract computer services from outside the local community, or use local individuals who had mainly learnt ‘on-the-job’. This often proved costly and, in our experience, has not always delivered the best outcomes.
“We saw the need and set up Folders, not just as a retail store but as a provider of computer services for business. One of the challenges we faced was proving we could provide quality services that could be relied upon. Many concerns were initially expressed about our ability to maintain services over time as people moved on, a problem historically experienced with single- person service providers.
“Media commentators are always talking about regions struggling to attract expertise and skills, but our recent experience has proved all the critics wrong. We received 62 applicants for an additional ICT network systems technician in three days, all of a very high calibre, from all over the world, and all happy to move to Kaitaia. It seems if we create the opportunities they will come.”
The successful applicant was Laurent Voldoire, originally from France. A graduate in network engineering from Montpellier University, he brought with him a wealth of experience gained in many countries including France, Spain, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
“He has worked for small to large international companies, and is experienced in the implementation, analysis and administration of network and information systems,” Mr Walker said.
“Laurent and his partner, an experienced and skilled health professional, are looking forward to living here. Attracting someone of Laurent’s calibre is a great opportunity for us, as it will allow Folders to further improve its technical knowledge and professional services, and assist in training our local staff.”
Incidentally, three of the applicants were New Zealanders, one referred by WINZ, one from Kaeo and an Aucklander who had no formal qualifications but wanted to live in Kerikeri. The two Far Northerners, one of them an immigrant, had lacked the qualifications and experience sought, while the other applicants met the advertised specifications.
Mr Walker added that the plan was to continue building a very strong business and IT team that could help local businesses compete, grow and, in turn, help Kaitaia’s economy deliver better-paying jobs.
“As locals we know Kaitaia is a great place to live, and it’s great to know that despite often being written off by the national media we can attract great, highly skilled people to the sunny Far North,” he said.