From left: Geoff Cranko, Gus Pickering, Jon Whitehead and Matt Pickering
After 25 years in business, NV Interactive looks back at its legacy and focuses on the next chapter. Meet the team and hear what lies ahead.
At NV Interactive, this legacy has been built, quietly, over 25 years, and it’s always been focused on a commitment to delivering exceptional digital experiences that don’t just work well – they deliver, beautifully.
NV Interactive was founded in positivity.
Geoff Cranko met brothers Matt and Gus Pickering while lecturing on strategic and business planning as part of a 16-week MBA programme for tech companies. Geoff quickly identified Gus and Matt as the smartest, most technically capable people in the room, and then he made them an offer they didn’t completely appreciate at the time. In return, their business-savvy father gave Geoff a grilling.
Together with Geoff’s business partner in Strategy Creative, Guy Pask, they formed a plan to create what would become NV Interactive – a company that would help existing and new brands evolve in the digital world. The focus was clear – website and apps – and the sweet spot was the intersection of design and technology, where form met function without either being compromised.
Driven by purpose
From day one, NV was a purpose-led business: from his experience with Strategy Creative, Geoff knew there was a gap to fill for highly functional yet well designed websites and apps that met business needs but looked and felt good to use. Matt and Gus had the technical know-how to create top-of-the-line websites that delivered superb function, and Guy ensured the creative standard was equally world-class. Everyone brought their own expertise and strengths to a clear vision.
The results were immediately positive and, while some speed bumps were inevitable, they were easily overcome by commitment to the values that still guide NV today: creativity, collaboration and collective hard work.
As the business grew, so did its reputation. NV began attracting high-profile global clients, a milestone being the first international ‘big name’. “I knew we were doing something right when we built the Top Gear Windows app for the BBC,” Geoff recalls, quipping that this was “back when Top Gear was ‘top’!”
Since then, many other ‘big names’, from New Zealand and around the world, have joined the NV stable, including BBC, Air NZ, ESPN, Christchurch City Council, NZ Blackcaps, Microsoft, USA Today and NZ Fire and Emergency.
A new direction
After a decade of growth, Guy eventually moved on from both NV and Strategy Creative, but Geoff, Matt and Gus continued to evolve, develop and grow the business, guided by a strong shared sense of purpose and a commitment to doing great work. Helping steer the forward journey was Jon Whitehead, who had successfully helmed NV’s operations for years. Jon quietly joined as a shareholder and brought a calm, considered leadership style to the business.
As the team grew, so did its impact, taking the company in unexpected directions, one of which was a (digital) cricket pitch.
NV’s extensive experience in the sport sector led to the development of a Cricket SAAS product and a new opportunity – the creation of a specialised cricket platform, NV Play. The quality of that product was reinforced when NV won a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board, leading Gus and Matt to shift their focus full-time to that new venture. Five years on, NV Play is one of the leading global technology platforms for professional and recreational cricket.
Unwavering commitment
As the other co-founders stepped into new roles, Geoff did likewise, moving into the role of chair of the board of directors for NV Interactive and introducing a more formal strategic and governance structure to ensure NV could continue to grow while still staying true to its guiding principles and focus.
Over 25 years the company has, of course, changed – people have joined, left, or moved into new roles; new opportunities were found or created; and new ideas have been developed. What has never altered is a commitment to the company’s guiding values of people, passion and partnership, and of embracing continuing evolution.
Geoff, the last of the co-founders, is now stepping away from NV to pursue other adventures and opportunities. In his various roles of chair, director and shareholder, he has helped guide the establishment and growth of NV Interactive through more than two decades of meaningful work, rewarding partnerships and global impact. Something he considers a tremendous privilege and honour.
“We created something truly special with NV, and proved that great technology can, and should, go hand-in-hand with inspiring, emotional design. People wanted what we were offering because it delivered the best experience available – it still does.”
The legacy lives on
As managing director, Jon sees a future of possibilities built on that foundation, one focused on deep capability, strong client partnerships and a continued drive for excellence. “Geoff, Matt and Gus’ vision, leadership and unrelenting commitment shaped the culture and character of this business. Their legacy lives on in the way NV continues to operate – with a genuine commitment to its clients, its people and the quality of its work.”
Along with Mark Delaney as strategy director, driving NV’s strategic direction and strengthening client partnerships, Jon is now leading NV for a continued growth trajectory. A growing, multidisciplinary team continue to deliver the vision of technology and design that exceeds expectations.
NV Interactive is one of New Zealand’s success stories, proudly supporting other businesses to shine, but remaining quietly in the background themselves. They continue to make an impact on the world stage, delivering clever and creative work, based on strong relationships and talented people.
As NV enters its next chapter, its legacy will guide the future – pushing existing boundaries, sparking creative ideas and delivering exceptional digital experiences that make a difference – from here in Aotearoa, to the world.
Visit nvinteractive.com
This story comes from NZ Marketing magazine issue 83, Jun-Aug 2025. Why not subscribe? Get four issues a year for just $50 (including delivery) if you autorenew.
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