National web developer organisation launched today

WDANZ aims to provide whatever services web developers need

The national organisation Web Developers Association of New Zealand (WDANZ) is being launched today, 4 July.

WDANZ, a commercial organisation for New Zealand web developers, will organise a range of networking, training and sales events, says Dennis Smith, CEO of WDANZ.

WDANZ was established following discussions with the developer industry throughout the country earlier this year. Feedback showed that there was widespread support for an organisation that offered more than just “talk”, he says.
“There was a clear mandate for a national organisation, with many web developers suggesting that ‘the time had come to do something like this’, or words to that effect,” Smith says.

The main purpose of the organisation is to provide whatever services web developers need, including networking opportunities, seminars, conferences, commercial support services and strong branding, according to Smith. Initial feedback from the web developer industry also indicated that members of the WDANZ want to differentiate themselves from “hillbilly” developers that cause a bad reputation.

As opposed to organisations such as Master Builders Association, WDANZ does not certify members’ quality of performance. However, members are required to agree to a code of ethics that ensures commitment to professionalism. Membership entry criteria will also be based on the number of years the potential member has been in business and the number of commercial websites developed.

There will be three membership levels: affiliate level; professional level for mid sized web developers; and corporate level for major players. Professional and corporate members may display WDANZ membership logos on their websites or premises.

Web developers may register as WDANZ members from today.