Media release
May 10, 2006

Web companies world beaters – again

Wellington-based webpage design companies Shift and Springload have each won a leading international honour for website design.

The Webbies are dubbed the “Online Oscars” by both Time Magazine and the New York Times.

It is the second consecutive year Shift has taken out the Webby for best Tourism website for their work on New Zealand Tourism’s www.newzealand.com. They beat finalists Montreal, Australia and Italy, and have now been nominated three times.

Springload won the Events section for their work on the New Zealand International Arts Festival’s www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz.

“We are extremely proud to be amongst the best designers in the world, and to do that with an iconic Wellington event such as the Festival is even better,” says Springload managing director Bronwen Thomsen.

“This is recognition that work done here can be of international quality.”

Shift co-founder Selwyn Feary puts his company’s win down to the ongoing innovations that keep them one step ahead of the opposition.

“We reached the top last year, and it is very satisfying to have remained in that position,” says Selwyn. “But we certainly have not been able to rest on our laurels.”

Positively Wellington Business acting chief executive Chris Lipscombe says the announcement is more that just a double win for Wellington.

“This is a case of local companies exporting their ideas overseas and succeeding against global competition,” he says.

“Without that being too corny about it, these guys have set the example that other high-growth Wellington businesses need to take on board and follow.”
The awards will be presented on June 12 in New York City, at a ceremony attended by 600 winners, industry leaders and celebrities.
The ceremony is to be presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, whose members include David Bowie, The Simpsons’ Matt Groening, Virgin chief executive Richard Branson, and Oracle chairman Larry Ellison.

ENDS

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