We get it, agency life can sometimes feel like you’re running to stand still. While we feel blessed to be busy, even the best of us can forget to stop and smell the roses, or take a moment to appreciate the work we do. A recent, and pretty exciting, email from CSS Design Awards (CSSDA) gives us a chance to do just this.

We’re proud to announce we’ve received CSS Design Awards for our work on the Netsafe Kete Education Hub

. We took home four awards - one for Innovation, UI and UX, and the judge’s Special Kudos Award. These awards give us a chance to acknowledge the fantastic work the team accomplished. We’re proud to have built a team that brings together an impressive depth and breadth of expertise, and can roll with the unexpected challenges or aims of any project. We know without a doubt Voyage wouldn’t be what it is without its people.

The CSSDA, founded in 2009 and lunched in 2010, honours and celebrates studios, agencies and freelancers for work that pushes boundaries in UI, UX and development. The international panel of expert judges are looking for standout projects that highlight what can be done with web design and development, championing creativity and functionality (two of our favourite things).

Our Netsafe Kete Education Hub project saw us developing a platform specifically for New Zealand’s educators, built to help them find the resources they need to create learning programmes and inspire our next generation. We wove in some special features, including interactive quizzes, intuitive search and prompts, with everything brought together by cohesive and aesthetic design.

“Our focus for this build was to make it as simplified as possible while still leveraging the advanced website solutions that are available. We feel the final product strikes a wonderful balance between delivering on what Netsafe wanted and needed, while also allowing for future growth and innovation.” – Deanne Alabastro, Developer, Voyage

The CSSDA is an excellent chance to appreciate not only our work but that of our peers. Perusing the winners and nominees on the CSSDA site is nothing short of inspiring, with many of our design and developer compatriots reminding us why we love what we do - we get to come up with clever and beautiful solutions for a whole range of requirements.

Here at Voyage we’re all about lifting each other up - in our team and the industry as a whole. We’re no stranger to collaborating with other experts or agencies on our projects, and are continually focused on fostering a culture of continued learning and exploration. As our industry continues to evolve, driven by changes in technology and the economy at large, we think this will only become more important.

So what makes award-winning work? We put it down to our people and what they bring to the table, and a company culture that allows everyone to have a voice. To take part in any of our discovery sessions is to witness our team’s skills in offering diverse, considered and creative ideas, and being able to listen to what our client really wants and needs.

A big thanks to CSS Design Awards and to the Voyage team that poured many hours into this new web platform for New Zealand’s educators. From no. 8 wire to lines of code, you best believe our innovative Kiwi hearts are fired up.

Netsafe Kete Education Hub case study page

 for a more in-depth look at the project.

Celebrating our CSS Design Awards for the Netsafe Kete Education Hub

Imagine walking into an office where everyone is genuinely happy to see you (and not just because you bring donuts on Fridays). A top place to work is like a party where everyone’s invited and no one feels left out. Creating this atmosphere isn't just about fancy perks or a slick office design, it’s built on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and shared values. It makes you feel like you belong to something bigger.

Celebrating our Best Place to Work shortlist!

 is a testament to our efforts to create a positive and fulfilling work environment for our employees, and motivates us to continue delving into what makes a truly wonderful workplace culture. It also closely follows the announcement of 

We know without a doubt this achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. This one goes out to them.

I knew that if I was to lead a company it had to be underpinned by strong values - one of them being 'all aboard' which speaks to the importance of company culture. I've seen first hand that if people feel genuinely valued, and you invest in building a strong and united team, you will achieve great things.

Without further ado, here are our top 8 ingredients that we think make a workplace truly exceptional:

1. A strong and inclusive company culture

At the core of a top workplace is a strong and inclusive company culture. This is the invisible thread that binds the team together, promoting a sense of belonging and shared purpose. An inclusive culture values diversity, encourages open communication, and ensures that every voice is heard. When employees feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work every day.

2. Work-life balance: A modern imperative

The days where being a workaholic is a badge of honour are fading away. Instead, flexible hours, remote work options, and respect for personal time are now non-negotiables at a best place to work. According to 

Randstad’s 2024 New Zealand Workmonitor report

, work-life balance now ranks as highly as pay on workers’ lists of priorities (93%). We know our team has lives outside of work and support them in managing both personal and professional responsibilities. Not to mention, when our team is well-rested and less stressed, their productivity and creativity can flourish.

3. Inspirational and empathetic leadership

Good leadership is like good coffee - strong, reliable, and energising. In recent years many studies have emerged that highlight the growing necessity of inspirational and empathetic leadership. McKinsey has highlighted that not only can empathetic leadership lead to breakthroughs in customer service and exceptional business performance, but it can be a workplace superpower, quelling the potential of employee burnout and spurring on greater creativity. Transparent communication, trust, and recognition are also excellent traits of good leaders. It’s about leading by example.

Innovative workplaces encourage creativity and out of the box thinking. They encourage employees to bring their unique selves to work and be celebrated for it, and provide the resources and freedom for employees to experiment and explore new ideas. At Voyage our discovery sessions with clients are all about uncovering the aims and intentions for a project, and our team is encouraged to come up with creative solutions that may not fit the mould but are the best option for the client’s goal. This not only keeps the work exciting but also drives forward innovative outcomes.

The physical and social atmosphere of a workplace significantly impacts employee satisfaction - and that goes for in-person and remote working. When it comes to the physical office, a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work environment, equipped with the necessary tools and technology, is fundamental. Beyond that, fostering a sense of camaraderie through team activities, social events, and an overall positive atmosphere makes work all the more enjoyable. At Voyage, our internal days and team gatherings - where we fly in team members from other regions - go a long way in celebrating the people that make Voyage what it is.

6. Fun factor: Because laughter is the best medicine

We know getting client projects done and dusted can become the overwhelming focus, but a best place to work isn’t all work and no play. Whether it’s impromptu team lunches, surprise pet days, or just a well-stocked snack stash, having fun at work for no other reason than to have a laugh is so important. If you were to take a sneak peak into the Voyage #random Slack channel you’d get a glimpse into some quirky (at times downright bizarre - just the way we like it) banter that adds some brevity to our task lists.

7. Comprehensive and competitive benefits

A competitive salary is important, but best places to work go a step further by offering remote working options, wellness programs, mental health support, and even benefits that support family life - such as parental leave and childcare assistance. More than words, this shows that the company cares about the holistic happiness of its employees. The really awesome places make people feel confident in asking for what they need, and are adaptable enough to respond in kind.

Best workplaces invest in employees' growth and development. Continuous learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and clear career advancement pathways are vital. When employees see a future within the company, they are more likely to want to hang around. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder, but also about enhancing skills and expanding professional horizons. Think mentorship programs, continuous learning opportunities, chances to cross-skill, and promotions based on merit.

If you're interested in joining us here at Voyage, 

Top 8 qualities of a ‘best place to work’ (+ an announcement!)

Throughout human history creativity has continually evolved, informing the earliest cave drawings and ancient pottery right through to digital experiences and AI advancement. While the medium transforms, the trajectory of creativity continues to reflect the dynamic play between human ingenuity, cultural shifts and technological advancements.

Back to the start - where our creativity began

The human race emerged in Africa some six million years ago, with few records of life from that time remaining to tell us much more than the oft told story of hunting and foraging. Fast forward to 3.4 million years ago and evidence suggests our distant ancestors began to use tools, showing the nascent stages of what would later bloom into art and technology.

Up until recently, the majority of researchers believed 40,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period, homo sapiens experienced a period of abundant invention, crafting jewellery from clay and shells, decorating walls with signs and paintings, and bringing into creation a variety of new stone and bone tools.

However, new evidence suggests this burst of creativity was preceded by earlier art and advanced technology, even before the arrival of homo sapiens 200,000 years ago. This new research tells a tale not so much of a burst of invention but of a slow building creative force, impacted by both biological and social changes. New research shows early humans were far more clever than originally thought, utilising tools and plants in ingenious ways, and creating adornments to wear and decorate their living spaces.

As civilizations flourished, creativity found expression in various forms, from the intricate sculptures of ancient Greece to the groundbreaking inventions of the Renaissance era. The Renaissance, in particular, marked a golden age of creativity, characterised by a renewed interest in the arts, sciences, and exploration. Visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci epitomised the spirit of the period, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in fields ranging from art to engineering.

The Industrial Revolution heralded another significant shift in the landscape of creativity, as advancements in technology gave rise to mass production and mechanisation. While this period brought unprecedented economic growth and technological innovation, it also sparked debates about the impact of industrialisation on creativity and human expression.

Now in our modern era we find ourselves amidst a digital revolution that has, once again, rapidly and fundamentally changed the way we create, share, and consume information. The advent of the internet and digital technologies has arguably democratised creativity, empowering people from all walks of life to express themselves in new, increasingly accessible ways. Social media platforms, digital art tools, and online communities have become fertile grounds for creativity, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale. This era has birthed several new industries and skillsets, including digital agencies, opening up the possibilities of web and mobile development to businesses big and small.

Today, creativity continues to evolve at pace, fuelled by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and machine learning. These technologies are not only expanding the possibilities of creative expression but also challenging traditional notions of authorship, ownership, and authenticity.

For one, recent commentary on the impact of generative AI applications on human creativity consider how people could use AI to augment their work and enhance productivity, with the human impact at a premium. Others contend if there are no checks and balances genAI will create a flood of cheap content that will drive out human creatives.

One thing is for sure, over thousands of years creativity has told the tale of human adaptability and expression. From ancient cave paintings to cutting-edge digital art, it has been a driving force behind human progress as generations dare to dream, innovate and create.

At Voyage we're proud to bring top-tier creativity to our clients, in the form of not only our beautifully designed and developed web platforms, web applications, mobile apps and digital transformation projects, but the clever ways we problem solve, adapt and innovate to deliver products that work.

 to discuss more about how we can work together.

The evolution of creativity: From cave drawings to AI

As digital tools shape our lives, technology has evolved to become a significant part of any learning environment. While it can be difficult to strike the right balance between old and new-school approaches, educators can uti create more engaging, dynamic, and personalised learning experiences while also developing their own practice.

Technology in education: A tool on whose terms?

 addresses the use of technology in education around the world. With relevance, equity, scalability and sustainability front of mind, the researchers write:

Education systems should always ensure that learners’ interests are placed at the centre and that digital technologies are used to support an education based on human interaction rather than aiming at substituting it.

At Voyage we’ve done a fair amount of work for the education sector, often through public sector organisations, and we couldn’t agree more.

Empowering educators in and out of the classroom

Technology can serve as an ally for educators. When done right it can enhance and evolve traditional pedagogical methods, fostering creativity, innovation, and adaptability. With access to a plethora of digital tools and resources, educators can personalise learning experiences, cater to more learning styles, and find inspiration for how to approach a particular topic or year group.

The rapid rise in technology and ripple effect throughout schools has, at times, left educators more burdened than supported in serving their students. What researchers have discovered is that for technology to have a positive impact, educators must be able to access relevant resources easily, to collaborate with peers, and to use technology to guide and improve meaningful learning.

Resource-rich platforms that have clear and intuitive navigation, are free of charge and continually updated, and provide a host of relevant information and insights, is one way technology can serve educators. Our recent project, the 

 with Netsafe, is an excellent example of this.

With the Kete Education Hub, teachers and practitioners around New Zealand can search for informative blogs and content, as well as interactive tools and quizzes. With a streamlined menu, it’s straightforward to hunt out content based on a specific query or topic, for instance year groups, staying safe online, or advice for parents and school staff.

Transforming learning to excite and engage students

For students, when used intelligently, technology can serve as an entry into an abundance of possibilities. In simple villages and towns around the world, access to the internet can transform a child’s life, as they have the means to explore all educational topics and teaching styles available.

In classrooms, technology tools can offer immersive, interactive, and personalised learning options that take into account a far broader range of interests and preferences than can often be accommodated in a traditional learning environment. For tertiary study, virtual and augmented reality is bringing complex topics within medical and engineering fields into 3D reality.

Through multimedia resources, educational games and virtual simulations, technology can transform abstract and dry concepts into tangible experiences, igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper love for learning.

Within the classroom, students are encouraged to develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, project management, research and digital literacy, equipping them with the tools they’ll need once in the working world.

While there are many debates about what happens to our attention spans and ability to think critically if they have no boundaries or guidance on how to use technological tools, the positive impact of technology on education lies in its ability to democratise access to knowledge, empower individuals, and foster a culture of lifelong learning.

By breaking down barriers to education and bridging geographical divides, technology opens doors to opportunities once beyond reach, with learners of all ages and backgrounds encouraged to pursue their passions and find like-minded souls.

Technology and its impact challenges us to embrace change, adapt to new realities, and cultivate a growth mindset that values resilience, flexibility, and continuous evolution. The more educators can be supported to have access to resources and tools that are built specifically for them and their work, not as another add-on to navigate, the better the learning environment can be.

unsplash

The digital shift: Redefining access and engagement in education

We’re always thinking about how we can take our software to the next level and add that Voyage secret sauce. For us, part of this means using powerful new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in our customers' products. These technologies are key to our innovation or, as we like to put it, 'raising the bar.'

'Alright, but what is it?' - we hear you ask. The practical application of AI can mean different things for different needs and use cases. One exciting example, however, is Speech-To-Text (STT) and Large Language Models (LLMs). On this front, we recently finished a successful project for a client where we were tasked with taking the latest AI tech available and turning a tool that struggled to pick up simple commands into a smart, robust system that understands context, multiple speakers, and complex sentences.

The STT system was implemented as a stepping stone in an AI journey for this client’s financial technology products. We delivered against their initial brief to implement an STT feature that is both accurate and reliable, complete with an easy-to-use, sleek user interface that can also accommodate ongoing growth.

Meeting the sauce makers - Voyage’s team of developers 🧑‍🍳

To achieve this project, we needed a team 

. Luckily, the developers I work with are some of the best around, so it didn’t take long for us to come up with multiple potential STT solutions using AWS Transcribe, AssemblyAI, and Deepgram. To test our theories we brought these into our in-depth discovery phase, creating a Proof of Concept to test all potential options.

Eventually we settled on AssemblyAI as it offered the best features for the job at hand, including the ability to understand multiple speakers and rewrite text if it perceives a correction needs to be made.

Once the client and the Voyage team settled on the architecture for the project, we got to work. My background is in intelligent systems, so this task was a great fit! The image below shows how this architecture was implemented into the code.

Once we had our solid foundation, aka a bit of React/server code magic, and a fresh lick of paint, (otherwise known as the user interface), we were able to share our final result as seen in the demo video below. Driven by maximum usability, we made sure the client could use the input field wherever it is needed - meaning it’s not restricted to one single input or project.

Right off the bat the client said they were happy with what we created, and since then have reported back that they love the STT functionality, and use it ‘all the time’.

Now that we are able to take high-quality user input and create function-forward AI tools, what can we do with this tech going forward? Raise the bar, naturally.

As is the nature of AI, the more data we capture and assimilate into the tools we build, the better it becomes. In this example, when our client activates recording, we securely capture the users microphone, send this encrypted audio to a speech to text service to understand what is being said, then can use a Large Language Model (LLM) to process, summarise, and auto-generate specialised intelligent responses, correct input errors, auto-generate data, and even create graphics. These LLM powered services looks like the diagram below, and this is just the start!

Behind the scenes, it’s also possible to provide these LLMs with not only what the user has input but pull in other data, including data that is unorganised or from different sources. These LLM systems can also be given access to data and tools through the internet, allowing them to do even more number crunching and sorting behind the scenes, growing more useful and specialised over time.

As AI technology continues to develop and our horizons expand, we say welcome to the future, where the sky's the limit!

 with Voyage to chat about how AI can enhance your business

The AI secret sauce: Going beyond buzzwords to look into this new world of tech

Where would we be without our leaders? A strong leader can make all the difference when it comes to building a company culture that can withstand changes, challenges and triumphs.

On establishing Voyage, Founder Ryan O’Hara says, “I knew I needed good people around me that shared the same vision and values - for not only what I wanted to deliver to clients but the kind of working environment I wanted to create.”

Shannon Holmes delivered on this in spades, bringing to Voyage 15 years’ development experience and a clear perspective of what constitutes quality leadership, not to mention just being a genuinely kind guy. This month, we were excited to announce Shannon’s promotion to General Manager of Voyage, tasked with commandeering our band of merry men and women as we tackle top-tier client projects.

I sat down with Shannon to discuss all things Voyage and his time here, as well as his take on what makes excellent leaders and a strong company culture.

There's a genuine care at Voyage about the people and their lives, their well-being and happiness, and that comes first.

CK: What's one thing that stands out from your 4.5 years at Voyage?

: For me, it's definitely the people and the camaraderie - the way we come together. We’ll rally around each other regardless of what’s going on, during good times and difficulties. There's a genuine care at Voyage about the people and their lives, their well-being and happiness, and that comes first.

CK: Is that what made you stay on with Voyage, and what brought you to the company in the first place?

: Prior to Voyage I spent 15 years with a company that went through many changes, and it made me see how values can shift and business growth alone can take precedence over people. In my first conversation with Ryan it was obvious that, yes, he wanted to do great work, but he truly cared about people’s wellness, happiness and enthusiasm, and that these core values shouldn’t be sacrificed for quick wins. This really stood out to me as it’s something I’m passionate about myself.

: As a developer, it’s also always exciting to work on high quality web applications, web design, mobile applications and digital experiences in general. It’s a great feeling to be proud of the work you do, and enjoy the people you do it with.

CK: Can you share more about your time at Voyage?

: I started out as a Senior Developer, and at this stage the company was still small - I was number six to join. I was brought on as a skilled operator, and with the majority of the existing team hired out of university or for junior roles, this was a different hire for the business. I really enjoyed getting into the thick of it on the development side of things, but it wasn’t too long after I was brought on that we started to grow, and fast.

: We doubled in size in a very short period and this meant we needed more depth in the management structure. So I transitioned into the Development Manager role, taking care of our team of developers. Eventually, I was ready for the next leap. I love what I do - I have a passion for it and love seeing people succeed - and I really wanted to proliferate that outwards so I could apply my skill set to the wider team and contribute to their career journeys as well. That led to this new role as GM.

I never want to see someone as a number or simply a resource for a business. I want to know what makes people tick.

CK: Can you share your biggest values when it comes to leadership, and what you really want to bring to the GM role?

: One of the founding values I always fall back on is: lead with compassion and humanity. I never want to see someone as a number or simply a resource for a business. I want to know what makes people tick. I want to take the time to get to know what makes someone who they are, relating to them as a human being. This makes a massive difference.

: I also always like to lead from the front, to be right there for the extra hours that need to go in, join in on meetings even if I’m not directly contributing, and support in any way I can - even if that’s making coffees. In fact, another big principle for me is that as a leader no job should be beneath you. One of my nicknames around here is the Shanitor, because no matter what it is I’ve been known to jump in and help out. I’ve seen time and again, if you put in your best effort and commitment, relish the opportunity and the people you’re working with, amazing things happen.

CK: Do you have any other examples of these leadership values in practice?

: When we talk about being people first at Voyage, that holds true. It was one of the five founding values and we still deliver on it, no matter what. I respect Ryan tremendously for the fact that he’s never once wavered from this commitment. Just the other day, he was saying to me, “We should do something more around paternity and maternity leave. What more can we do above and beyond what the Government requires us to do?” That’s just the type of person he is, and that empowers me to deliver on what I want to achieve too.

: In terms of examples, there are many, and many over the years that were forward-thinking. For instance, four years prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Voyage team were always able to work from wherever we wanted to, without specific requirements around that. The focus has always been on the delivery, not on where you’re working. We operate on a high level of trust and we get great feedback.

Voyage was chosen to be part of NZ's initial digital response to COVID-19. When a company leads with compassion, it has a team ready to go the extra mile.

: To that point, during that initial lockdown Voyage was chosen to be part of the team behind the New Zealand Government's initial digital response to the virus, and we saw first-hand that when a company leads with compassion, it has a team ready to go the extra mile. 

We built the official Government website in 48 hours

, and it wouldn’t have happened without the team exemplifying our values - not just for the benefit of our company but for all New Zealanders.

: We also have many examples of how we champion health and wellness through leadership. Our Internal Days are an evolution of a practice we brought in right at the start, and now it means for one Friday a month we shut up shop and everyone gets a paid day off. Also, for the most recent Movember, Ryan matched all of our donations, which he didn’t have to do but he did, and that offers such a boost of camaraderie and care.

CK: How do the values of people first, and health and wellness, impact you personally?

: I personally have battled with mental health, specifically anxiety, since I was a kid right through my entire life. I was undiagnosed until my early 20s and it shaped much of my life up to then. The fact that we put such value on people's wellness and mental health at Voyage is a big factor of why I'm here and why I'm so passionate about what we do.

I know first-hand it doesn’t matter who you are, mental health conditions do not discriminate and they can develop at any stage.

: I know first-hand it doesn’t matter who you are, mental health conditions do not discriminate and they can develop at any stage. Knowing that this company is trying to do something about it for its people makes a massive difference to the drive to come to work every day and really deliver something great. And its not just the policies we put in place, its the caring environment that allows us to all talk openly about our struggles without judgement that is making a difference.

CK: What do you do to fill your own cup, what do you do when you're not at the helm of the voyage ship?

: I've got a fairly young family - I've got a nine-year-old and a six-and-a-half-year old - and they keep me very busy. Beyond that, I’m very close with my brother, we catch up often and play video games a couple of times a week. And I still connect with people who I grew up with, people I went to preschool with. We catch up weekly and I just love doing that. And I love Lego, that’s something I’m into.

CK: I can't help but notice the theme ‘of people first’ seems to run through your life as a whole.

: Definitely - it's all about the people you're with and what you're doing with them. It’s like that old saying goes, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey and who you’re on it with.” And that’s true for Voyage 100%. In life and in work I ask myself, why am I making the decisions I’m making? And I can say it’s true for myself, Ryan and Voyage as a company that our baseline is kindness and compassion. Whether we’re making a difficult decision or not, we start with what’s best for the people we’re with. This makes for a great life, and a great workplace.

In life and in work I ask myself, why am I making the decisions I’m making?

CK: Thank you so much to the Shanitor himself. Any closing words?

: All of these aspects of work and culture contribute to genuinely happier people, and happier people produce great results, and that results in great customer outcomes. It’s a win, win, win.

Leading through change: Our new General Manager on what makes a winning company culture

"All Aboard" is more than just a phrase at Voyage; it's one of our core company values that reflects the strong alignment and dedication of our team in delivering exceptional experiences for our valued customers. In December 2023, we proudly achieved recognition as a Great Place to Work®️ in New Zealand, by the global authority on workplace culture, which is a testament to the culture that we've all built together.

 is a global research and consulting firm that specialises in workplace culture and employee engagement. They conduct an extensive evaluation of companies to determine their certification as a Great Place to Work.

To be certified as a Great Place to Work®, your employees need to complete a survey administered by Great Place to Work®. The survey asks a range of questions to assess their overall experience at work. These questions are designed based on 30 years of data and market validated research, representing the key drivers for building a great workplace. To be eligible for certification, a significant portion of your employees must respond to the survey. This ensures that the results accurately reflect the overall employee experience at your company.

At Voyage, we are proud to have achieved a 94% response rate from our team members, which speaks volumes about their commitment and satisfaction with our company. We believe this high response rate is a reflection of the strong sense of community and shared values we have established at Voyage.

Let's dive deeper into why Voyage is truly an exceptional place to work:

We foster an environment where every team member feels a genuine sense of belonging and connection. We celebrate individuality and create a space where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

At Voyage, we prioritise the well-being of our team members. We provide comprehensive support and wellness programs to ensure that everyone feels supported, both personally and professionally.

Over the last few years we've really focused on creating a company that is diverse, inclusive and equitable and it was great to have 100% of our team share this sentiment. 

"Send it" is one of our core values because we believe that a positive and engaging work environment sparks creativity and boosts productivity. Our team comes together during our 

 to learn new skills, challenge each other in fun events outside the office, and build strong relationships. It's all about having a blast while getting things done!

We recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To support our team, we offer flexible work arrangements that empower individuals to thrive both personally and professionally. We also provide ample opportunities for growth and development, ensuring that our team members can continually expand their skills and knowledge.

Being certified as a Great Place to Work means that we have met the high standards set globally to be recognised. It is a testament to our efforts to create a positive and fulfilling work environment for our employees. This recognition also motivates us to continue improving and innovating in terms of workplace culture.

We are thrilled to receive this certification and proud of the inclusive and supportive workplace culture we have fostered at Voyage. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. We will continue to strive towards being a Great Place to Work and setting an example for other companies in New Zealand. 

So, if you're looking for a company that values diversity, promotes a positive culture, and invests in its employees, come join us at Voyage! Let's celebrate this milestone together and pave the way for more inclusive workplaces in New Zealand. Together, we can make a difference. Happy working!

Why Voyage is a (certified) Great Place to Work®️

As we kick off another internal day today at Voyage, I thought I’d dive in and share a bit more about what they’re all about and what we get up to.

At Voyage, we work a 9-day fortnight (more on this in a future blog post), with every fortnight alternating between an internal day and a mental health day.

Our internal days provide us an amazing opportunity to come together as a team and spend some quality time working on R&D. This R&D time allows us to explore and experiment with various personal passion projects or company projects, fostering innovation and creativity within the team. Moreover, it gives us the chance to connect and bond with our remote colleagues, strengthening our collaboration and teamwork.

Today, the team is enthusiastically engaged in some training activities. The development team is up-skilling on new technologies to enhance their capabilities for some exciting upcoming projects. On the other hand, the Production team is dedicating their time to studying and completing a comprehensive Product Management course, acquiring valuable knowledge and skills in their field.

One thing I’ve always promised at Voyage is to provide ample time for learning and up-skilling. By carving out dedicated time for these activities, we are able to seize new opportunities and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. 

In the past, this R&D time has proven to be immensely beneficial, allowing our team to acquire new skills that we were then able to showcase and utilise in pitching for new client work. As we strive to design and build custom solutions for our clients, having the time to learn and stay updated with emerging technologies empowers us to apply these newfound skills in real-world scenarios, delivering exceptional results.

Apart from the focus on learning and exploring new technologies, we also like to infuse our internal days with some fun team activities to unwind and recharge. These activities are met with great enthusiasm and the team always brings their A-game, embracing any competition that comes our way.

Some of the memorable team celebrations we have had on our internal days this year include:

An epic ping pong tournament that brought out the competitive spirit and showcased our hidden talents.

A thrilling Masterchef cooking competition at 

, where we unleashed our culinary creativity and enjoyed some delicious dishes.

, where we rocked the mic and sang our hearts out, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

An exciting day of mini-golf and arcade games, where we put our skills to the test and had a blast competing against each other.

These team celebrations not only provide us with a break from work but also foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen the bonds within our team. We believe that by creating a positive and enjoyable work environment, we can bring out the best in our team members and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

So, as we embark on yet another internal day at Voyage, we are excited about the opportunities it brings for growth, learning, and team building. It's a day where we can come together, unleash our creativity, and have some fun while working towards our shared goals.

Christchurch team enjoying an afternoon of table tennis

Cultivating Growth and Team Building at Voyage - Internal Days

A summer internship seems to be a rite of passage among 

 students, something I only found about ~3 months before I graduated from the University of Otago with a BSc in Computer Science. Panicked, I put together a profile on 

 and started filtering through listings for all sorts of jobs. Like most people, I was immediately drawn to the household names, companies like ANZ and TradeMe carry a certain prestige to them that I thought would look great on my future resumes. After submitting my interest in all of the large companies, I began looking through the rest of them in order to pad out the 15 applications Summer of Tech lets you submit.

your input and the work you do really make a difference to the final product

It was only after I started reading through the job listings of companies I had never heard of that I began to think my initial attraction to pure size and brand awareness may have been misguided. Smaller companies were working on projects just as, if not more interesting than, the corporate powerhouses and they offered the opportunity to dive in headfirst and make a difference from day one. With a smaller team, your input and the work you do really make a difference to the final product. The other criteria I had for a future employer was what their goals for the internship were, were they going to take my growth as a developer as seriously as I was? I found some listings and even had a couple of interviews with places that were clearly looking for cheap labour to tick off three months' worth of odd jobs around the codebase for them. They had no intention of mentoring, and some even disclosed that there was absolutely no possibility of an ongoing full-time role after the ‘internship' was up.

So naturally, I was drawn to Voyage, a web development studio of approximately a dozen people based in the dead centre of Christchurch. They punch above their weight, with clients including 

 Their job listing really honed in on the culture they offer of mentorship and making a difference from day one, which, as someone with little confidence in how their university education would translate to real-world applications, really resonated with me. They also seemed like a fairly laid-back bunch, which suited me fine. Work lunches, Friday beers (sometimes Thursday beers), Ralph the office dog, and nine-day fortnights were all much more attractive to me than wearing a tie and working with people who have job titles like 'Senior Financial Analyst' or 'Head of Regulatory Operations’. Luckily for me, they thought my profile wasn’t completely disgraceful, and I was approached for an interview.

Like many other people, I’m sure, I find job interviews to be one of life’s great displeasures. Zoom interrogations filled with awkward chit-chat and open-ended questions that are impossible to answer in any convincing detail, not to mention the struggle of trying to sound smart without sounding up yourself. The Voyage interview was nothing like that. Shan (development manager) and Jess (developer and former intern) put me at ease, and it felt more like a conversation with friends than the cat-and-mouse game that most interviews turn into. They even thought it was funny that I had a massive Speight's flag on my wall behind me. Not exactly the air of professionalism I was going for, but it made me realise they care far more about your personality and your potential than they do about how much hogwash you can talk about JavaScript in a 15-minute interview.

Two interviews later, I had the job, and before I knew it, I was trading peaceful and quaint North Dunedin for the big city, of Christchurch. I was nervous for the first day, but I shouldn’t have been. The day consisted of getting my equipment set up, going out for lunch, and of course meeting the people who I would be working alongside for the next 12 weeks, all of whom are people who now, after spending 12 weeks getting to know them, I cannot speak highly enough of, both as developers and as people. 

By the end of my first week, I was contributing code to a React Native app on a real client project. The learning curve was astronomical, especially considering that I had not worked with JavaScript at all during my time at university. However, with the help of the others on the team, I was learning more in a single day's work than I did in some entire papers (looking at you COSC301).

That's when it struck me how lucky I was to be learning as much as I was in my first job out of university.

One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Voyage was something that I didn’t even realise was noteworthy until I had been working there for some time. Living in Christchurch, I was sharing a flat with two other recent graduates who had also moved to the city for internships. One evening while cooking dinner, one of them was complaining that her boss would frequently leave her on seen when she messaged them with questions. The other flatmate chimed in, saying that when he submitted his code for peer review, rather than providing feedback, it would be taken and fixed by a more senior developer, and he would never see it again. That's when it struck me how lucky I was to be learning as much as I was in my first job out of university. When I asked a question, the other developers dropped what they were doing to help me, and when I submitted code for review, it came back to me with constructive criticism and suggestions for fresh approaches to the problem at hand. My work was held to the same standard as everyone else's, which meant I was constantly learning.

All in all, I could not have asked for a better experience for my first job out of university. Voyage and the people who work there taught me a lot, and I will be very sad to leave them. Unfortunately, I couldn't accept the full-time role that they kindly offered me, as I am instead moving back overseas to be closer to family. Despite this, I cannot stress enough how great of an experience this summer has been. Not only do I feel as though I've taken huge steps forward in my career in this short time, but it has been a genuine pleasure to work alongside people as talented and likeable as the crew at Voyage. As a former Voyage intern to hopefully a future one, I’ll leave you with some parting advice

Ask questions, even if you think they’re stupid ones, everyone was rubbish at javascript once upon a time

University teaches you how to write code, your first job is for learning how to write good code, so don’t worry too much when your initial approach to a problem turns out to not be the smartest one

Focus on growing your skillset and getting exposure to as much as possible, it’s the most important thing when you’re this early on in your career

Don’t offer to make Sofiya coffee, because if you do it once she’ll pester you for one every morning

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