PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2024

Cyclone leads the way to a better future

Cyclone Computer Company, a New Zealand tech solutions business, has joined the First Foundation’s whānau of scholarship partners. To celebrate 30 years of leading the sector and partnering with education, Cyclone has committed to supporting scholars for the next 30 years and making a difference to the future of its industry.

Leigh Gibbard, CEO of Cyclone, is excited about this new partnership: “Working with First Foundation fits perfectly with what we believe in — helping local young people and giving back to our community.”

“We are excited to support deserving students on their educational paths.”

Cyclone aligns its values to action in the education sector

Since 1993, Cyclone has helped Kiwi organisations make the most of technology. Now, they’re investing in New Zealand’s future talent by teaming up with First Foundation. They’ve sponsored two scholars – Blessing Mataitoa-Pātū and Nyssa Squires.  

Cyclone is a Kiwi-owned company with branch offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. It employs over 170 staff. Leigh Gibbard, Cyclone’s CEO, said, “This partnership fits with our commitment to help local youth and give back to our community.”

Cyclone serves schools, universities, businesses, and government, ensuring their tech and people are future-ready. “It’s a partnership and about finding the right solution for the organisation we’re working with,” says Leigh.

“We are always focused on successful outcomes. By using our agility and experience, we’re very good at tailoring what we do to meet our customers’ needs.”  

Blessing sees dreams become reality with support for education

Blessing Mataitoa-Pātū is a Year 13 student at Aotea College with a proud Tongan and Samoan heritage. When Blessing first learned about the First Foundation scholarship through her career pathways teacher, it wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a new beginning. “I was so keen, and I applied… and I was blessed enough to receive it.”

Blessing has excelled academically. She holds leadership roles in her school and community, participates in multiple sports teams, and actively contributes through volunteering and leading cultural activities.

Blessing’s goal is personal: to study biomedicine and make a difference for those with chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer. 

The scholarship gives her financial support and a mentor. “Maria was very nice, and we clicked right away,”

Blessing’s story isn’t just about the financial help she’ll receive; it’s about inspiring her five younger siblings to aim higher. 

Nyssa Squires, a Year 12 student from Diamond Harbour, with a passion for science that helped her to stand out in the competitive selection process.

Nyssa is the youngest of four siblings and each day makes a 3-hour commute to and from Hagley Community College.

Despite her long commute, Nyssa excels in her studies and works part-time so she can contribute to her fees.  She says, “This part-time job has opened me up to more social situations that have made me come to confront my anxiety.”

Nyssa has also found great comfort in science. She says its logic and rigour bring confidence.

“Science is proving how things work and learning how things came to exist. Being given the opportunity to continue my love of learning science would be the most rewarding experience.” 

Nyssa plans to attend the University of Otago to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in genetics.

“The scholarship will help me on my journey towards a bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in genetics. I know that I can get results and make the people who care proud.”

NYSSA SQUIRES, FIRST FOUNDATION SCHOLAR

Cyclone’s strategy is to change the future

Cyclone says connecting with scholars such as Blessing is why they chose First Foundation.

“We prioritised where our support could have the biggest impact. By supporting young people who are the first in their families to go to university, we’re targeting and breaking the intergenerational cycle of educational disadvantage.”

“Attending the awards ceremony and seeing the impact on the students’ families is incredibly moving. The New Zealand education sector has been a key driver for Cyclone’s success; thanks to the First Foundation partnership, we are able to repay that support.”

LEIGH GIBBARD, CEO CYCLONE COMPUTERS

Diverse talent benefits us all

Cyclone says the whole country will benefit from nurturing diverse talent, and they’re pleased to play their part. “We’re creating a workplace rich in diversity, inclusive of all thinking styles and actively reflects our core values.  We can achieve the best critical and creative thinking by respecting differences and encouraging self-expression.”

It involves its team in its charity work, matching their personal donations. Leigh says, “It’s important for us to support what our staff care about. We’re teaching them about First Foundation’s important work to increase our impact together.”

“For us, when you make decisions about investment, you also want to support the choices of your people. Supporting our team’s charitable choices is essential. We’re integrating our staff into this partnership by educating them about First Foundation’s mission, enhancing our collective impact,” Leigh adds.

This approach connects Cyclone’s work more closely with community efforts, setting an example of how companies can help.

Cyclone models making a difference

Cyclone and First Foundation show how partnerships can tackle big issues like educational inequality. Leigh explains,

“Supporting those who might not otherwise have a chance is a responsibility we all share. As a business, Cyclone thinks about how we can make a change. Although we have the financial means, we lack the people to deliver what First Foundation can.”

We can genuinely support change by partnering with First Foundation, which has over 25 years of experience. It’s crucial that all industries and businesses in New Zealand support the people who are our customers, whānau, or community members. Sometimes, you don’t know how to make a difference on your own, but by working with First Foundation, you can do so easily and effectively.”

Cyclone’s support shows that New Zealand businesses can make a genuine contribution to a stronger New Zealand. It’s not only supporting deserving scholars but investing in the future of families and communities. Thanks to everyone who supports First Foundation’s work—your help makes success stories like Blessing’s possible.