From the sea to IT

Rimu Boddy used the knowledge he gained as a fisherman to create a celebrated app for reporting a boat's catches.

Rimu Boddy

Study

Everything I learnt was focused on my project. It was amazing, everyone bent over backwards to help me.

Rimu Boddy left school at 15 years old and became a fisherman.  After nine years, he could see how technology would vastly improve the industry, but his IT knowledge began and ended with video games.

So, armed with a solid idea and unrivalled motivation, Rimu enrolled first in Otago Polytechnic’s Certificate of Information Technology (Level 4), and then the Bachelor of Information Technology.  “Doing the certificate made the transition into study much easier” he says. “It was amazing, everyone bent over backwards to help me”.

He found maths and essay writing a real challenge, but was determined to succeed. “If I struggled with anything, I’d just talk about it with the teachers, and they made sure I got it.”

Rimu focussed every aspect of his degree on his project: a fishing reporting app.  While out at sea, fishermen input information of their catch into an iPad and send the data back to shore via satellite. 

Rimu says it’s a win-win for the industry and the environment.  “Instead of catching as much fish as they can and hope that it’s what people want, fishermen can target species that are in demand and actually make more money.  Because they can sell it before they even reach the dock, the fish is fresher as well.  In turn, the government knows what fish is caught where, so can better manage the sustainability of the industry”.

Rimu’s company, Fishery Logistics Ltd, is consulting with the Ministry on the new fishing regulations, and his app is being trialled on several fishing boats in New Zealand waters.

Casting into the future, Rimu has leads in the USA and PNG markets.  Once his Fishing Reporting App is established, this fisherman-come-IT guru already has plans for his next software development.

Bachelor of Information Technology

Develop high-level technical and problem-solving skills and a solid theoretical understanding of Information Technology concepts in this hands-on degree. If you have existing skills and knowledge due to practical experience in this area, you could study this programme via distance through Capable NZ (our recognition of prior learning centre). You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree? This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. Courses include Web Development, Programming, Computer Essentials and IT Industry Skills. When you finish and graduate, you'll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology! Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any living costs).

Student

Rimu Boddy

Study

Bachelor of Information Technology

Develop high-level technical and problem-solving skills and a solid theoretical understanding of Information Technology concepts in this hands-on degree. If you have existing skills and knowledge due to practical experience in this area, you could study this programme via distance through Capable NZ (our recognition of prior learning centre). You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree? This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. Courses include Web Development, Programming, Computer Essentials and IT Industry Skills. When you finish and graduate, you'll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology! Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any living costs).