From Complexity to Clarity: Mount Aspiring College’s IT Transformation Journey
Mount Aspiring College is a school based in Wānaka, New Zealand, supporting around 1,300 students from Years 7–13. As the only college in the region, Mount Aspiring carries a significant responsibility to meet the technological needs, expectations, and opportunities of every student, which in turn brings a unique set of challenges.
The Challenge
Before partnering with New Era Technology, the school managed its IT internally. While their in-house technician was highly knowledgeable, the network was rapidly expanding and evolving, making it increasingly difficult to maintain and scale with just one staff member at the helm.
“We had a tricky start with there being very little documentation for IT, so it felt like we were rebuilding the plane while flying it,” – Nicola Jacobsen, Principal of Mount Aspiring.
With limited documentation of their previous IT environment, the school was essentially starting from scratch. The growing network required stronger oversight, clearer direction, and a more strategic approach. This was where New Era stepped in.
The Approach
New Era focused on fundamentals, building an environment where systems and integrations are transparent and intuitive for anyone stepping onto the site. The goal was to simplify and standardise the network, making it easier to manage and maintain, while also giving the school peace of mind that their IT infrastructure was under control and no longer reliant on a single individual.
The Solution
A significant upgrade was undertaken, encompassing the implementation of new solutions such as the downsizing and renewal of the on-site server footprint, the replacement of the main digital technology labs, upgrades to specialist spaces like music rooms, and a comprehensive overhaul of the school’s CCTV system.
A key role in guiding and shaping this transformation was the provision of a carefully curated Development Plan. It provided a clear overview of what the school’s IT environment looked like, what needed to be addressed immediately, and what could be planned in the future. This allowed the school to better understand its technology landscape and plan budgets with greater confidence.
Layering an Ultra Agreement on top of Network Support complemented this approach by ensuring a no‑surprises budget and providing peace of mind to the school’s senior leadership team. It has supported major projects such as server replacement and lab refreshes, as well as proactive initiatives like trialling cloud hosting platforms and upgrading CCTV systems. It also covers smaller, day-to-day needs, such as staff laptop replacements, ensuring the on-site technician can continue focusing on immediate support while being backed by a wider team.
Having a full-time technician on-site, alongside access to a broader team of engineers, means the school can resolve issues quickly and efficiently. While transitioning from a long-standing internal staff member to an external partner required a shift in mindset, clear communication and consistent support helped make the transition smoother for staff.
The Result
These plans and support structures have enabled the school to receive faster support, with clear and consistent communication. The simplified and well-documented infrastructure has reduced reliance on individuals and made it easier for staff to understand and manage their technology environment.
For the tumuaki, this has significantly reduced the time and effort required to oversee IT, allowing them to focus on broader priorities within the school. Larger projects can now be planned and executed with confidence, supported by regular face-to-face engagement and clear agreements that minimise unexpected costs.
“Both schools I had worked at previously were schools supported by New Era Technology. We got a couple of quotes and plans, and the New Era contract was more comprehensive with more onsite support,” - Nicola.
Conclusion
Mount Aspiring College’s journey reflects the shift from a reactive, internally managed IT environment to a more structured and strategic partnership. With the right systems, support, and planning in place, the school now has greater confidence in its technology and its ability to support both staff and students.
By working alongside New Era, Mount Aspiring has created a more stable, scalable, and future-focused IT environment. One that not only supports day-to-day operations but also enables the school to continue evolving with the needs of modern education.
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