Local roots and global growth at Taiawa Tech Hub

Perched by the Wellington waterfront, a group of tech businesses is preparing to go global. They’re from Taiawa Tech Hub, a 60-desk space hosting 12 businesses. Taiawa gives these emerging companies everything they need to focus on their international ambitions. 

Based at Victoria University of Wellington’s Pipitea campus, Taiawa is at the centre of the city’s business and government district. The name comes from the words tai (ocean) and awa (river), but Taiawa also means “channel”. It’s an apt name for this hub that channels innovation and connection into the tech sector. 

Taiawa was established by WellingtonNZ and Wellington City Council under the Wellington Regional Economic Development Plan. It’s now hosted by the university with support from the council. Taiawa welcomed its first residents in June 2024 and now hosts businesses from diverse fields. The businesses calling Taiawa home include carbon management company Cogo, science software Litmaps, and travel app Roady. All are united by a drive to go global. 

Dascha Cooper has been a key driver for Taiawa since it was just an idea, developed during her time at WellingtonNZ. Now the tech sector business partner at Victoria University of Wellington, she’s embedded in Taiawa. She is hands-on and works closely with its businesses. 

While entrepreneurs appreciate Taiawa’s coworking desks and meeting spaces, the hub is really about tailored, in-person support. Dascha holds regular kōrero with CEOs to understand their evolving needs and adapt Taiawa’s offerings. Events like Toast Tuesday bring the community together over sourdough and shared insights. Workshops and investor showcases build new skills and connections. 

When new companies apply to join the Taiawa whānau , global ambition is essential, but most have strong networks in Wellington. “As soon as I start taking them around Taiawa, they immediately see people they know,” Dascha says. Resident businesses often share resources, help each other tackle problems, and celebrate wins together. 

Taiawa’s position within Victoria University of Wellington is more than physical. It’s part of the university and its community. Taiawa academic lead Professor Stephen Cummings has been essential, says Dascha. Entrepreneurs give guest lectures, recruit students for projects, and tap into academic and alumni networks. 

The connection to WellingtonNZ has continued “all the way through,” says Dascha. Close relationships with the Business and Innovation team have helped Taiawa’s founders access grants, collaborate with students, and build relationships across the business ecosystem. 

While Dascha calls it “the least exciting thing” about Taiawa, the hub’s approach to gathering data is key to demonstrating its value. Working with WellingtonNZ’s research experts, she developed a system for collecting and analysing data. It shows Taiawa is hitting the mark. In its first year, Taiawa’s initial nine businesses generated $11.9 million in GDP and supported 127 FTE jobs. These numbers are only set to grow. 

One business reaping the benefits is Speculo, a cyber risk assessment company founded by Chris Hawksworth. Chris met Dascha in a moment of “pure serendipity.” At an event, both were captivated by a view of a pod of dolphins in Wellington Harbour. That encounter led to Speculo joining Taiawa, which Chris calls a “catalyst” for growth. He appreciates how residents “have a true sense of wanting to make a difference, not just in their business but for the people around it.” 

Chris has also secured a research grant from Callaghan Innovation with support from WellingtonNZ. WellingtonNZ has also helped Speculo and its sister company CyberTeam develop by “shining a light on what the possible looks like”. 

“It only takes one conversation to change the whole paradigm,” Chris says. At Taiawa, conversations like this aren’t the exception — they’re the rule.