Craig Bensemann
I’m a senior software developer and technical lead based in North Canterbury, working remotely with organisations across New Zealand. Over the past two decades I’ve moved between hands-on engineering, team leadership, and architecture across sectors such as energy, public services, and advertising technology. My work focuses on building reliable systems, improving developer experience, and raising capability through clear communication and mentorship. Outside contract work I write The Cynical Developer, a project exploring the realities of modern software delivery and healthy engineering culture. I’m committed to strengthening the Canterbury tech community and supporting a sustainable, skilled local workforce.
What specific expertise can you bring to Canterbury Tech Board?
I bring two decades of practical engineering and delivery experience, with a track record of improving how teams work and how organisations make technical decisions. My core strength is pattern recognition which helps me in diagnosing systemic blockers early and translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable guidance for leadership. I’ve led teams, modernised legacy systems, and supported organisations through cloud and architecture transitions. I offer the board grounded technical insight, strong communication skills, and a focus on sustainable capability-building across Canterbury’s tech community.
What do you see are the top three opportunities to advancing the tech sector in Canterbury?
- Lift delivery capability: Canterbury has an opportunity to lift delivery capability by modernising systems, simplifying processes, and putting solid engineering fundamentals back at the centre of how teams build software.
- Focus on human elements alongside AI: As AI changes how work is done, the sector needs to double down on the human elements: communication, collaboration, mentoring, and strengthening core technical thinking. Teams that invest in this build better software.
- Strengthen connection spaces: The region would benefit from more consistent spaces where people across disciplines connect and share real experiences. Stronger relationships and shared learning make the whole sector more resilient and more attractive to talent and employers.
What would be your first point of action/suggestion on the Board if you were to be elected?
I believe IT is fundamentally about people. I’d propose a series of talks with industry leaders, both individual sessions and panels, exploring how we lift capability by using technology well while keeping strong human connection at the centre. My aim is for Canterbury Tech to become the group people look to in Christchurch when they want clarity, practical guidance, and a sense of direction for where our tech sector is heading.
