Software business seeks Whanganui graduates

Proaxiom general manger Mike Price (second from left) with director Murray Woodhouse (far right) and employees. Further details at bottom of page. Photo/ Supplied

An international software company straight out of Whanganui is looking to employ more graduates as business keeps expanding.

Almost 20 years ago Mike Price and Murray Woodhouse co-created their successful business Proaxiom and in 2015 they moved their head office from Wellington to Whanganui.

The company provides consulting and software development, especially in the credit field. Clients include banks, energy and telecommunication providers.

Proaxiom's client base now reaches as far as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Australia.

Since moving to the River City the company has taken on a local UCOL graduate, Steven Johnson.

Impressed with Mr Johnson's performance, general manager Mr Price said they are seeking more young talent to join their team.

"What we would like is to recruit a new JAVA software developer and engineer. As we keep expanding we would like two more developers on board in Whanganui."

Mr Price said due to the nature of the business staff are not required to be in the same office and can operate anywhere with wifi.

"One of our employees, James Cockle, is operating from Dunedin and another employee Josh Jury is based in Wellington. I travel back and forth from Melbourne to here."

Cheaper business costs was the main reason Proaxiom moved the company's head office to Whanganui.

"I couldn't believe that you could get fibre in Aramoho when we couldn't get it in Wellington on Willis Street, the city centre," Mr Price said.

He said the relaxed lifestyle was also a big pulling factor.

"Stepping outside the office and seeing Mt Ruapehu is so refreshing. It's amazing how scenery can make your mind work in a complete different way," Mr Price said.

The business has been an advocate for local projects such as GovHack Whanganui, an annual event that works with government data to create new ideas, and Smart21.

Mr Price said he sees great potential for Whanganui to become a "tech hub".

"There are a lot of branches of 'software development' each with different but related skill sets. I would like to see a tech space in Whanganui where we can feed off each other and network. Perhaps something for the future."

Photo details: From left to right - James Cockle, general manager Mike Price, Josh Jury, graduate Steven Johnson and director Murray Woodhouse.