Our journey
From the beginning, nearly 20 years ago to now, there have been numerous changes as we have evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing technology environment. And it’s not over yet! Next Group is our next evolutionary stage to enable us to continue to provide our past, present and future customers with the service and support needed for home technology. It’s a fast-paced environment that we are part of and the Next Group business platform will be key to ensuring that we can continue to develop and evolve along the next part of our journey as we focus on enhancing and diversifying our expertise in a Post Covid Era.
in the begining
The world was about to end at midnight December 31st 1999. We all waited in anticipation for the worlds computers to stop. They didn't, and that was the start of our journey into the future of technology.
1999
The end of the world
Y2K 2000
The world was about to end at midnight December 31st 1999. We all waited in anticipation for the world's computers to stop. They didn't; and that was the start of our journey into the future of technology.
2000
SKY Television Contractor
SKY TV Installations
Auckland was a busy place as Kiwis looked for more television content and channels to watch. Movies for mums and sports for Dads, and of course "Cartoon Network" for the kids.
2001
Analogue TV Installations
Aerials Direct
Analogue television was still the main transmission system for viewing Free to Air television TV1, 2 and 3 with the growing demand for better quality reception. New television sets were emerging and more learning was required to improve picture performance. Our company slogan - "Get the picture".
2002
branding established
Aerials direct
The business was branded, staff recruited and trained, vans purchased, and advertising established. We were in growth mode with a new company slogan "one call does it all"
2004
Member Group
NZ TRade Group
Joined a member group to improve supplier relationships and business community connectivity. Rubbing shoulders with other small business professionals resulted in improved business efficiency in a growing small business environment.
2005
Going Digitalnational switch over
NZ going Digital
The world’s television technology was changing and the NZ Government committed to changing our transmission platform from analogue to digital. Aerials Direct tendered for the $20m national roll out and was shortlisted with 5 other providers Vodafone, Sky TV, Hills Industries
2010
business Purchase
Compeditor acquisition
Digital switch over had peaked and demand stagnated. The purchase of a competitor provided new customers and work capacity extending our customer base and network.
2010
Rebranded
next connect
Rebranded business to reflect the changing time and our developing skill sets. Connectivity was centered around the television and internet as telephone connectivity was also transitioning from the old cooper line.
2011
National Contract
Freeview
A National Contract with Freeview NZ provided an extension to our Auckland business and an opportunity to develop a network with other like minded, skilled technicians and small business owners across NZ
2012
National Installer Contract
Noel Leemings
National retailers looking for skilled installers partnered with us, as their own technical teams struggled to provide their clients and customers with good technical advice, installation, delivery and service.
2012
Partner business establsihed
Next AV
New skills evolved as customers looked to purchase the latest home technology. Next AV was a solution to this demand with the supply and installation of good quality well priced music systems, simple remote controls and later developing into complete smart home solutions.
2013
Autourised Control 4 Dealership
Control 4 Dealer
Searching for better methods of device control. Control 4 was chosen as our automation platform solution. As a NZ Dealer Installer our system solutions began to developed and form around a mixture of modern, high quality products and suppliers resulting in strong connected partnerships.
2014
Registered member
NZ Security Association
Security was added as the growing demand for smarter more effective alarm and CCTV camera systems providing home owners with more visability and control over the protection of their home assets and family members.
2015
Authorised Sonos Dealership
Sonos Dealer
Sonos Dealership was acquired, one of the first few custom installers in NZ to promote, sell and install products produced by the fastest growing modern music systems in the world today.
2016
Premium Installer Contract
SonY Store
Sony Direct Stores required premium setup and installation support to compliment their quality product and brand - they chose Next as a premium installer.
2018
Merger
Designer av
Designer AV was partnered, providing new skills, design thinking and knowledge toward larger projects. Also adding electrical knowledge and experience to new and retrofit projects and system upgrades. To best described our capability here would be - Your Smart Home "the full monty"
2019
lockdown
COvid NZ
Covid arrived, providing us all with a little holiday and turning the business world into a bit of a spin, forcing a rethink of the way we should operate our businesses as our customer also looked to revisit the way they lived their lives, at home and work.
2021
one company
next group
Next Group was formed as a Company to simplify the commercial engage with our customers, communicating a more consistence message while maintaining the broad and diverse skills offering. Customers are centric to this structure and all other parties and partners are connected and focused on what is relevant today but with a consideration to what might be next, tomorrow.