Who we are
We’re local, and that’s important to us
We live, work and play in Wairarapa, which means we know everyone on our network and what they need to connect to each other and the world.
The people who take your calls, visit your homes and businesses and install your equipment all live locally. We’re not just your ISP, we’re your neighbours! We started as a creative solution to a need for connectivity and we remain committed to keeping our Wairarapa-based world-class network up to date and innovative.
Our mission:
To empower and connect our local community by providing fast and affordable broadband. We’re dedicated to supporting local and have a true passion for all things rural and broadband.
Our history
Way back in 2002, our founder Bridget Canning was struggling to get internet at her rural home, so in true Kiwi fashion, she set about fixing that with support from husband John. Initially setting up three sites connecting in relays from Masterton, she brought high speed, reliable wireless internet to their farm in Tinui and was able to start working from home. Neighbours soon joined the WIZ family and our Wairarapa company grew from there.
“We filled a need and stopped the isolation that rural Wairarapa people were feeling at the time. Because we have made the conscious decision to stay local and support Wairarapa, we have loyal customers who recognise that we are invested in making sure Wairarapa thrives.”
Bridget Canning
Since then, coverage has expanded not only through the main valley, but out as far as Ngawi, Flat Point, and all the way around the coast. There are not many areas of Wairarapa we can’t cover.
Looking to step back but wanting someone who shares her own vision to carry the company forward, in 2023 Bridget handed the company’s reins over to then manager Ben Seddon, who is also committed to staying local.
“Being here in Wairarapa is important to us, so we know it is also important to everyone who uses our network. We support local events, sports days, charities. This is what being homegrown is all about.”
Ben Seddon
Ben and his wife Gemma invested in the business to make sure that human aspect stays. “All our people live here and we are proud to call Wairarapa home “We’re equally proud that we enable our fellow Wairarapa residents to work, study, play, stay in touch with whanau – whatever they need their high-speed internet to do.”
Innovation
Innovation is key to keeping our network up to date and we are always looking at how we can improve, whether it is by adding solar to our sites to ensure continuity of service or upgrading equipment to make sure that every person gets that individual connection.
We’re constantly upgrading and improving our towers and customer connections to make sure our speeds are consistent at all times of the day or night, no matter where you are: Waihoki, Whakataki, Western Lake or Whangaimoana.
Our team
Left to right: Heather Hayman – Administrator, Bridget Canning – Owner/CEO, John Canning – Owner, Shane Doust – Installer/Technician, Steven Gregg – Network Manager, Daren Scott – Installer/Technician, Ben Seddon – Owner/Operations Manager, Shane Minifie – Infrastructure Technician.