As a software engineer with over 16 years experience, I thrive on problem-solving, delivering bespoke solutions for entities varying from innovative startups to leading brands. A strong advocate for modern development architecture. Dedicated to creating simplified DX, better performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
Available for remote after-hours freelance software development. Get in touch!
Currently Lead Software Engineer at the leading #techforgood startup dedicated to helping older adults learn skills and have new life experiences — GetSetUp. Previously Head of Technology at DDB.
Recent work —
A Smart Green Future, Together
Plant and Food
Plant & Food Research, a state-owned institute, leverages cutting-edge scientific methods to revolutionise agriculture and food systems globally. As the lead developer, I played a pivotal role in the technical implementation of a performant, unrestricted, future-proofed web platform based on the JAMstack philosophy.
Project technologies used:
- Algolia
- Contentful
- Gatsby
- GraphQL
- JAMstack
- Netlify
- React.js
- TailwindCSS
- TypeScript
GeminAI Rising
Alberta Health Services
An online learning program and game for grades 7-9 focusing on key social competencies: problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, self-concept, and coping skills. Aiming to equip students with the tools to face life's challenges, including potential influences like nicotine. The program shifts from outdated fear-based methods, promoting social competence, engaging learning experiences, and improved media literacy.
Project technologies used:
- AWS
- AWS Aurora (MySQL)
- AdonisJS
- Multi-player game
- Node.js
- React.js
- Redis
- REST API
- Web Sockets (socket.io)
Helping New Zealand Succeed.
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
A purpose built web platform serving as a knowledge hub, empowering exporters with strategic resources and connections. The platform aims to enhance New Zealand businesses and Māori entities, connect them with suitable partners and investors, introduce global investors to local opportunities, and elevate New Zealand's business reputation globally.
Project technologies used:
- Azure
- Azure Cognitive Search
- Contentful
- GraphQL
- JAMstack
- Next.js
- React.js
- Sass (BEM)
- TypeScript
Scam the Scammers
Netsafe
Utilizing IBM Watson's DeepQA for deep content analysis and evidence-based reasoning, Re:scam was designed to auto-reply to scam emails. The bot identifies sentiment, categorises messages, and effectively wastes scammers' time, diverting them from real victims. This process results in long, often amusing dialogues, thereby adding an element of humour to online safety efforts.
Project technologies used:
- AWS API Gateway
- AWS Aurora (MySQL)
- AWS DynamoDB
- AWS Lambda
- AWS SQS
- AWS Secrets Manager
- Algolia
- Cloudflare
- IBM Watson
- Laravel framework
- Node.js
- PHP
- Sendgrid
- Serverless
- Vue.js
- Well Architected Framework
Video Streaming Mobile Apps
TVNZ
Partnering with Boston's Brightcove, I led the development of New Zealand's first on-demand streaming service apps for smartphones and tablets, leading the way in the Australasian market. Immediately after release, each app ranked as the #1 downloaded app. Developed from scratch using hybrid technology, it provided a user experience akin to native apps.
Project technologies used:
- Brightcove
- JavaScript
- Phonegap + Apache Cordova (hybrid app development)
Fight for Territory
Lion
An innovative digital initiative utilising technology to stir fan engagement during the Lions Rugby Tour in New Zealand. The campaign harnessed a custom-built PHP platform, which efficiently coordinated 65 Raspberry Pis deployed throughout Auckland International Airport. These Pis were flashed with custom JavaScript software for facial recognition, providing a unique interactive experience for the fans. The whole network was connected via WebRTC, creating a robust local mesh network over the airport's WiFi, enabling synchronized and remote control capabilities.
Project technologies used:
- JavaScript
- MySQL
- PHP
- Raspberry Pi
- Redis
- WebRTC
- WiFi
Instant reactions for live events
Buzzdial
A startup designed to provide broadcasters with real-time sentiment analysis of live events, thereby equipping them with invaluable insights. This platform was architected to handle massive volumes of traffic and data which could be scaled up instantaneously, ensuring flawless operation even during peak times.
Project technologies used:
- AWS Cloudfront
- AWS EC2
- AWS S3
- Memcached
- MySQL
- PHP
- Sass (BEM)