Mike Riversdale

As NZRise fades away into memory the needs, wants, and demands of the Wellington tech community are as relevant now as they were when Don discovered he was running not only a company but a tech advocacy community. Their parting gift to all of the Wellington tech community is a vibrant call to action to each and everyone involved, "Wellington's tech scene is waiting for you!", as demonstrated not only on the night but over the past week as many left their hopes and dreams for itself. An AI audio summary Based on the responses plus supporting info, this is what YOU want from the Wellington tech community, and what YOU need to do about it. Don, Victoria, and Breccan say a few words (so sorry Paul, I missed your eloquent summing up, grrr) See also: Wellington Tech Community Future - responses (Google Doc) Farewell to NZRise: Reflecting on a legacy and the need for Government Advocacy Continuing To Connect The Wellington Tech Scene As We Farewell NZRise

It's taken a long hard year of letting go of what I did and who I was seen as and it's all come to fruition with me starting a new role as Manager of Age Concern (Horowhenua) based in Levin ( pop in ). I know, that's a change eh ... but is it really, it's all about people, connections, and getting things done. I don't start until the new year and have, thank golly, a few weeks with the awesome Natalie before she heads away to a new life in Australia. That should give us plenty of time to embed me in, for the team to learn my quirks and what makes me laugh out loud, and most importantly to meet as many of the members as I can, the community, and all the supporting organisations. For those that wanna know what I'm actually gonna be doing I think this from my website sums it up. Direction My role is to ensure that Age Concern Horowhenua ship is both sailing in the direction the Board has set strategically in a long term sustainable way. I am guided in this by our...

Thank you ❤ I was sat in the Welsh Dragon Bar garden stressed to the max an hour or so before the event. This was all on my shoulders, this was about me, this was my event, me me me. And then people turned up to set-up, Nat and Kristen came out to wrap their arms around me and headed back in to sort out their recording position, Ryan arrived and moved equipment around, Hannah gave me a pint and a smile. I was not alone - and that was the point of Aroha Wellington, none of us are alone! I then remembered Anna's line at the previous week's unconference about each session, "Don't forget, those that are there are those that are meant to be there." It was a small gathering and everyone has since told me they all had a great time - that is all that matters. So to each and everyone one of you that turned up, thank you. To all those that supported the event in so many ways, thank you. So now, what? Take your ex-colleague out for a local lunch Stay in touch with those you ...

I've started using these with my family when we have our weekly video catch-up and it changes the conversation from one of "reporting in", to one of smiles and actually how we're going. I don't know what you call them, "Grid of 9", "meeting ice breaker", or even, "Which one are you right now", but I do know they're a great, quick, and easy way to check-in with a bunch of people, particularly if you're online. 3 current faves follow, but the whole lot are available here .

The Aroha Wellington event is happening because amazing Wellingtonians have stepped up to support it, both financially and in kind, and I am indebted to the following, but first a sto ry about Anna from nil. Creating and facilitating an event is a stressful thing, especially when doing it alone (not all, but a lot). There's been some stressful times worrying about ticket sales, will anyone even bother turning up, how on earth do you book a comedian, and all the other details that are constantly crowding for attention in one's mind. Monday this week I received an email from Anna at nil. totally out of the blue, subject: Sponsor Hi Mike Would love to sponsor your amazing event for $500. See attached our logo. Happy to promote through our channels today etc. Anna I cried. Stress fell down my cheeks. (and then someone awesome bought a stack of tickets to give away. More happy tears) Anna's action represents everyone who has supported the event by buying tickets, coming along...

Wellingtonians are pulling together in so many ways to show love, support, and connections to those that are doing it tough at the moment. One of the ways some individuals and organisations are showing the aroha is to buy YOU a ticket to next week's Aroha Wellington event ... yes, YOU, you have a FREE ticket to the event. All you need to do is saying you're coming by popping your name into the form and turn up for the entertainment, connections , AND free food and a free drink, all generously supplied by awesome Wellington organisations (more on that to come, OMG it's so cool). Loading…