KiwiSaaS relaunches to accelerate Aotearoa’s SaaS growth
Auckland, New Zealand — 23 October 2025
KiwiSaaS, the national community for software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) companies, has relaunched under a new industry‑led model to help accelerate the growth of Aotearoa New Zealand’s SaaS sector.
Now part of the NZTech Group ( a not‑for‑profit, member‑driven NGO providing a united voice for Aotearoa’s technology ecosystem) KiwiSaaS is transitioning to a sustainable, community‑run network that connects and empowers the country’s rapidly expanding SaaS industry.
The refreshed platform opens membership to SaaS companies nationwide and launches with 7 Weeks of SaaSmas, a series of practical workshops bringing together founders, leaders and teams across the motu. Founding partners include Stripe, Movac, NZX, and newly announced Atlas Digital.
A Fast‑Growing National Export Engine
New Zealand’s SaaS sector is already one of the country’s fastest‑growing export industries, contributing $2.2 billion to GDP and employing 17,000 New Zealanders in 2023. Combined, the 21 KiwiSaaS founding members employ over 7,000 people locally and generate over $6 billion in global revenue.
David Clearwater, Executive Director of KiwiSaaS, says the community’s new model strengthens one of Aotearoa’s most globally scalable sectors.
“Software is one of New Zealand’s greatest export opportunities. We’re building an industry based on creativity, capability and connection — not carbon or commodities,” says David.
Building Capability and Talent at Home
KiwiSaaS aims to boost capability across the full SaaS lifecycle ( from early‑stage development to scaling globally) while highlighting the opportunities software creates for high‑value jobs across the whole country.
“SaaS lets you build a global company from anywhere in Aotearoa,” says David.
“From LawVu and Re‑Leased to Gallagher and Kami, these companies prove world‑class software can be built right here at home.”
Bridget Snelling, Country Manager at Xero and a KiwiSaaS founding member, says collaboration will be key to sustaining growth.
“Communities like KiwiSaaS help ensure we’re not just building great products — we’re developing talent, leadership and shared knowledge that keep New Zealand globally competitive,” says Bridget.
Community, Connection and Growth
Matt Hayter, Founder and President of high‑growth SaaS company Projectworks, says the new KiwiSaaS brings the sector together with fresh momentum.
“When we started Projectworks, it was other Kiwi founders who shared the lessons that helped us scale faster. Community matters. The relaunch of KiwiSaaS gives every SaaS business — from early‑stage to breakout success — a way to learn, connect and give back,” says Matt.
David adds that the community’s strength lies in New Zealand’s scale and collective spirit.
“We might be small on the global stage, but that’s our advantage. It’s easier here to connect, collaborate and learn from one another — and that makes Aotearoa a great place to build a world‑leading SaaS company,” he says.
About KiwiSaaS
KiwiSaaS is the national community for New Zealand software‑as‑a‑service companies, working to accelerate the growth of Aotearoa’s SaaS sector by developing people, growing companies and connecting the ecosystem.
Operating as an industry‑led community within NZTech, KiwiSaaS brings together founders, leaders and teams through events, peer learning and capability‑building initiatives.
From 2021, KiwiSaaS connected nearly 4,000 SaaS professionals across Aotearoa. This work was initially funded by the government until June 2024. A sector‑led Establishment Board has since guided its transition to a fully industry‑run model within NZTech.
Media Contact:
David Clearwater | Executive Director | KiwiSaaS
📧 david.clearwater@kiwisaas.com