MEET THE TEAM
Inroducing the Smart home technology specialists in automation and audio visual
Meet Derek Crane
Director & Project Lead
Derek has been a fixture in the technology business for over 20 years. His career began as a registered electrician, progressing to a role as a commercial electrician. From there, driven by a longstanding passion for home technology, Derek decided to start his own business specializing in the field.
From there, Derek merged his business with Next Connect to form what is now known as Next Group. As Director, Derek not only leads the team but also actively oversees the operations of the business. His technical expertise has been invaluable, especially when working with clients, turning their homes or commercial spaces into smart solutions.
In his spare time, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, two boys, and daughter. He loves movie nights and supporting his kids at their football games. On Sundays, you can find him mountain biking or racing his go-kart at the Meremere track.
“I thrive on the diverse challenges that Next Group presents, and enjoy working alongside a stellar team that excels in delivering a wide range of services. We take immense pride in our ability to offer comprehensive solutions that span networking, security, lighting, and automation. At Next Group we are commitment to seeking innovation and excellence in every aspect of our operations.”
Meet Tony Osborn
Senior Technician
Our Senior Technician, celebrating six years with Next Group this October, has spent his entire career immersed in technology. His journey began in high school, working afternoons at Tisco Electronics, where he progressed through multiple roles including becoming their workshop manager at the age of 19.
His early start and rapid progression equipped him with a robust skill set in security, audio/visual systems, and networking—skills he continues to leverage today.
Beyond his technical expertise, he is a devoted family man who loves spending quality time with his son. Whether they’re on the sports fields, watching cricket, or enjoying movies together, his family is always at the heart of his activities.
“Working at Next Group allows me to thrive in the field I’ve always been passionate about—technology. The dynamic nature of home automation presents continual challenges and new experiences, keeping everyday exciting. I’m constantly looking forward to the next innovation and how they can enhance our homes and simplify our daily activities.”
Meet Alan MacMahon
Technician
With a passion for turning ordinary spaces into smart spaces, Alan brings a unique blend of expertise to the Next Group team. Certified in home automation and holding an audiovisual digital systems degree, Alan has over two years of experience with Next Group.
Before joining the team, Alan honed his skills as an audiovisual technician in the event industry, working in some of the most prestigious venues across New Zealand and France, including the Crown Hotel, Eden Park, the French National Assembly, and Stade De France.
When Alan isn’t engineering smart spaces, he enjoys hiking around West Auckland and beyond. At home, he unwinds in his fully automated tiny house, often in front of a good Netflix show.
“What drives me every day at Next Group is the opportunity to transform your environment into a smart, intuitive space that enhances your lifestyle and simplifies your daily routine”.
Meet Scott Parker
Technician
Bringing over three years of dedicated service to Next Group, Scott is a skilled technician whose expertise in data, communication, and technical services spans both England and New Zealand.
Before joining our team, Scott developed a robust foundation in the tech field as a fibre technician, specializing in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fibre optic networks.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, cooking and watching football. Being from England, he always maintains the tradition of a Sunday dinner.
“What I love about working at Next Group is the friendly environment and the variety of interesting work. The diverse projects keep things exciting and engaging, and I am fortunate to be part of a brilliant team that is supportive and collaborative. I also love working with our customers, it’s incredibly rewarding and their enthusiasm and feedback inspire us to continually improve and innovate.”
Meet Joanne Webster
Office Manager
As the Office Manager at Next Group, Joanne has been part of the team for nearly a year, bringing with her a wealth of experience from various industries, primarily in accounts and administration for small to medium-sized businesses. Joanne cherishes working in environments where the company operates on a more personal level, and her role at Next Group offers a diverse range of responsibilities which she finds immensely fulfilling.
Outside of work, Joanne is a true homebody who enjoys gardening and house maintenance tasks like painting. Summer is her favourite season, filled with the activities and joys she treasures most.
“What I truly love about working at Next Group is the dynamic challenge of coordinating our technicians’ schedules across Auckland. This role, while demanding, is incredibly rewarding, especially when our clients express their satisfaction and appreciation for the work done by our skilled technicians in the field.”
