Globally, New Zealand is often seen as a holiday destination, with its reputation of untouched, Lord of the Rings-esque landscapes and environments. However, our reputation is quickly evolving. New Zealand has raised some of the most successful tech companies, and Tidy is proud to be a part of that growth.
From tech companies like Xero, aerospace companies like Rocket Lab, and the tech-driven winners of the America's Cup - Team New Zealand, our tech sector is diverse and advanced. It is a breeding ground for innovation and competes successfully on the world stage. This industry is a major and growing business for New Zealand, accounting for 8% of our GDP and employing 5% of the workforce.
The tech industry is very outwardly oriented industry and competes successfully around the world. Exports have been steadily growing to reach $7.4 bn in 2019, making tech the country's third-largest export sector. According to Gartner IT spend is forecasted to reach 4 trillion dollars in 2021 after a 2.2 percent decline in 2020 due to COVID-19. New Zealand is not exempt from this substantial increase.
Data indicates that five new jobs are created for each new job in the tech sector. With globalisation and digital transformation continuing to increase, New Zealand should see the tech industry thrive. Tidy believes it's important to represent New Zealand and the tech sector as a member of the FernMark License Programme and be a part of what is becoming a key industry in New Zealand.
Data from NZ Story indicates there has been a qualitative difference in the global perception of New Zealand since COVID-19 . Although the success of New Zealand's response to COVID-19 has been publicised globally, it has also come with downsides. We've gone being perceived as “small to smaller, expensive to unobtainable, and remote to isolated.” However, we also are no longer defined solely by our environment and landscapes. New Zealand is now more known for its resilience, leadership, and unity; and our values are more clearly displayed globally.
Tidy's customers can continue to have confidence in knowing that all our products carrying the FernMark have the “tick of approval” from the New Zealand Government. That means our company and products have met the eligibility criteria for a FernMark Licence. But it's also massively helpful for you, as you can enter our unique Licence Number (100364), issued by the FernMark Licence Programme logo on www.newzealand.com and verify that you're buying authentic New Zealand products.
One year on from solidifying our status as a New Zealand software company with our accreditation from the New Zealand Government with the FernMark, we continue to be proud of our origin. Although we are a diverse company, we will continue to display New Zealand innovation globally. Tidy will help shift New Zealand's global perception from holiday destination to a centre of innovation.
