University of Otago, Trimble and AllTerra representatives celebrate the announcement of a new Trimble Technology Lab.
Global technology company Trimble will provide University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka students with access to cutting-edge geospatial hardware and software, valuable hands-on experience and greater exposure to industry expertise.
AllTerra New Zealand, a regional Trimble geospatial dealer, will provide local support and further develop the University’s connection to the geospatial industry.
Announced at an event at the University today, this collaboration will see the creation of a Trimble Technology Lab (TTL) in Otago’s Ōwheo building.
The Lab will be ready for tauira and kaimahi in 2026 when the School of Surveying Te Kura Kairūri – the only School of Surveying in Aotearoa New Zealand – and the School of Computing Te Kura Rorohiko will co-locate to Ōwheo.
This co-location was a strategic decision by the Division of Sciences which will see specialists in geospatial data analysis working alongside specialists in high-capacity computing and data analysis.
The technology Trimble is providing will foster collaborations in ways that will benefit students, teaching, research, and industry.
The TTL will feature 34 University-provided computer stations equipped with Trimble software, including Trimble Business Center, Trimble RealWorks and Trimble Connect, providing Surveying and Computing students with hands-on experience with industry-leading tools.
Hardware includes robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, data controllers and laser scanners. Field software includes Trimble Access and Trimble Perspective.
Attending the event today are Trimble representatives from the United States, including Global Director, Education & Outreach Amy Northcutt, from their headquarters in Denver, and Education Program Lead Mike Engh, based in Las Vegas, alongside General Manager, Ag Industry Solutions and Aotearoa New Zealand regional leader at Trimble Jason Hill.
Also in attendance are the University of Otago Pro-Chancellor Brendan Boyle and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Professor Jessica Palmer, academic and professional staff, and invited alumni and industry guests.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says Trimble’s generous support in providing the resources to create the Lab will place Otago at the forefront of surveying and computing education.
“It is an incredible placement which will give our students the skills and opportunities to become leaders in the technology and surveying sectors, and positions Otago as a forward-thinking and industry-responsive University.
“Trimble and Otago share many connections – through generations of our surveying alumni and through existing scholarships and events supported by the company, and we are very grateful Trimble has chosen to grow this relationship and launch such a significant initiative at Otago. We look forward to working with them on this exciting new venture.”
Trimble is a global technology company with offices, fulfilment centres, manufacturing, services, research and development (R&D) centres and related facilities in more than 150 locations in more than 30 countries, including six offices in Aotearoa New Zealand. The company connects the physical and digital to transform how people build, shape and move the world with data and precision.
It enables essential industries including construction, geospatial, transportation and agriculture, and supports the development of academic excellence to prepare future professionals in these industries.
“We’re proud to expand upon our relationship with the University of Otago by giving students hands-on access to Trimble technology and real-world experience they can carry directly into their careers,” says General Manager, Ag Industry Solutions and Aotearoa New Zealand regional leader at Trimble, Jason Hill.
“This collaboration builds on years of supporting scholarships, campus events, and welcoming talented Otago alumni as employees.”
AllTerra, which works across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, will help install and provide support, expertise and maintenance for the Lab.
This includes training for staff and students, guest lectures from experts in the field, regular equipment updates and involvement in events such as Hands-On at Otago.
Hands-On is a week-long, campus-based programme held in the summer holidays for senior secondary school students from all around Aotearoa, where they get to experience subjects of their choice, take part in research projects and enjoy a varied recreational and social programme.
Chief Operating Officer at AllTerra Paul Miller says, “As a member of the Herga Group, whose origins date to 1888, AllTerra has long-standing ties to the University of Otago. With many Otago surveying alumni amongst our experienced team, we are committed to adding value to faculty, students, and the wider surveying industry in New Zealand.”
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Richard Barker, says for students and faculty, access to the equipment will mean enhanced research capabilities, larger learning streams, strengthened industry ties and expanded career opportunities through direct company and industry engagement.
“They will benefit from up-to-the-minute industry expertise and real-world insights through guest lectures, curriculum integration and collaborative research projects,” he says.
“The Lab will give our students the best resources available to launch their careers, and the strengthened industry ties will enhance our reputation with the surveying and computing sector.”
An enduring collaboration
For decades, many Otago alumni have been professionally connected to the company around the world. Trimble’s enduring relationship with the School of Surveying, and its growing connection with computing, will be showcased through a dedicated display in the TTL.
The creation of the TTL builds on the existing engagement between Trimble and the University of Otago, which includes the Trimble Karahipi Hangarau / Technology Scholarship granted to an undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics student, The University of Otago and Trimble Robotics Breakfast and Technology Event, and sponsorship of Otago University Surveying Students’ Association events.
Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Otago, Shelagh Murray, says the University has had a long and valued relationship with Trimble.
“The establishment of the Trimble Technology Lab moves this to a new level of connection and support and will be game-changing for students at Otago both in their education and as they move into industry.
“It is a significant opportunity for the University and we thank Trimble for this major contribution to Otago.”
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