Creative Technology Northland began in March 2018 following conversations between Maggie Buxton and Matt Keene about the need for stronger regional connections between technology, creativity, and interdisciplinary practice communities in Te Tai Tokerau Northland.

The discussions rippled out through community networks, with an initial focus on creating informal spaces where artists, technologists, educators, designers, makers, filmmakers, developers, and experimental practitioners could meet, share ideas, and build connections across disciplines.

The first public meetup took place during Techweek 2018 at ONEONESIX in Whangārei, bringing together practitioners from across the region who were interested in the growing intersections between creative practice and emerging technologies.

From the outset, the project aimed to support people working across disciplines, particularly practitioners who did not fit neatly within traditional arts, business, or technology sectors — and to strengthen the visibility of creative technology practice in Northland.

Alongside co-founders Maggie Buxton and Matt Keene, Creative Technology Northland, a wider core group supported the initiative, including local educators, digital practitioners, artists, technologists, and innovation partners from across Northland. Rather than operating through a rigid institutional structure, the project relied on collaboration, peer support, and community-led participation to deliver events, workshops, exhibitions, and experimental initiatives throughout the region. Core group members (alongside the founders Matt and Maggie) included: Bram Pitoyo, Charm Hauraki, Craig Neilson, Kim Newall, Trent Morgan, Jesse Gray, Jarred Taylor, Leondard McDougall, Jade Morgan, Olivia Garelja, Te Piha Niha and Verena Pschorn. Each of these contributors supported video interviews, labs, workshops, events, website hosting and many other core activities that brought the community together.

Creative Technology Northland contributed to the visibility and development of creative technology practice within Northland during a period of rapid change in digital culture and emerging technologies.

The project helped create connections between practitioners who were often working in isolation across different disciplines and communities. It also supported conversations around regional innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital creativity, and future-focused creative practice outside major metropolitan centres.

While the project evolved over time, its influence continues through the ongoing work, collaborations, and initiatives developed by participants and partner organisations.