Running a Virtual Team

What makes Paua Interface different from other companies is that it is one of the few truly 'virtual' companies in NZ.  That means its staff do not contribute to the peak hour traffic and nor does the company expect its clients to pay for the overheads of running a trendy uptown office.

"Being virtual," says managing director Robyn Kamira, "means our team could be anywhere in the world working together over the Internet."

The topmost key success factor is good communication and being able to form good working relationships with each other and our clients - even if you never meet them in person.

The team is adaptable and resourceful.  Clients say that knowing that their task is being completed without the restrictions of time and location means they can relax.  "Paua Interface have never let us down even on last minute or time critical tasks.  They consistently and deliver a good product," says a regular government client.

The secret says Robyn is that the team is focused on delivery, not 5pm Friday-itis. "We're pretty good at asking each other for help, for ideas, for critique, and will pull out all the stops to get the job done - and done well."

Robyn leads the company and is often first point of contact for clients. She has a hands on approach to IT services.  Her tenacity over the years has seen Paua Interface pass the test of time.  She has led in areas of intellectual property, carbon emissions reduction and the extended use of metadata amongst other specialties.  She has taken the business through its 17 years and has a knack for adapting to the changing markets while staying grounded.

BSocSci (computer science)
PGDip (IS management systems)
PhD (in progress)
Member Digital Strategy Advisory Group to the NZ government
Writer, artist

Gareth is a very capable developer who provides a clear and focused approach to the most challenging of tasks.  He has an easy-to-talk-to manner that puts our clients at ease.  Gareth also assists with project and team coordination.

BAppIS (applied information systems)
Fisherman

Alan is a senior developer and is well respected for his great 'people skills' and attention to detail.  He is a formidable developer with a 'clean' coding style.  He is a problem-solver and has delivered projects for well-known companies such as Vodafone, Panasonic, Port of Tauranga.

BSc (computer science)
Performer, Kapahaka

Katie is at the heart of Paua Interface's design team and creates graphical products and website designs.  She delivers insightful results for clients and works with photoshop, web applications and photography.  She is experienced in the creation of full advertising and promotional campaigns from concept to finished art.

BArts (visual communication)
Artist, painter

Brigham is a true 'find' with a range of talents and skills.  His analytical skills make him an important contributor to projects that require ideas, organisation, discipline and delivery.  His marketing background alongside his graphical skills see him lending a hand on the design work.

BBusStudies (marketing)
MBusStudies (marketing)
Designer, Men's clothing

Daniel comes with strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills.  He's an A+ performer and has a focus on programming languages particularly specialising in PHP programming.  Daniel is a responsible and conscientious member of the team, a great advisor and performs well under pressure.