Icehouse Ventures is back on Great Barrier Island this weekend for its annual “No Barriers” retreat, bringing a small group of founders and tech innovators to the island. The visit is a boost for the community, supporting accommodation providers, eateries and social clubs over the weekend.
The retreat is designed to get founders out of the city, off their screens and into the island’s rhythm. Over three days they spend time walking beaches, swimming, sharing meals and talking about what it takes to build and grow companies in New Zealand.
Icehouse has backed several standout Kiwi businesses, including Halter, which uses solar-powered collars to manage livestock, Dawn Aerospace, developing reusable spaceplanes and satellite technology, and Sharesies, the investing platform. The Barrier gives the entrepreneurs a chance to step back from the day-to-day and think about the bigger picture.
For the visitors, the island’s promise is the creative, and relaxed energy that makes it a different kind of workplace.
It’s no secret the Barrier has long been a retreat for scientists, academics, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, business leaders and world-famous musicians. For the Icehouse visitors, it hopefully offers a chance to experience what has attracted so many before them.
Although the retreat itself is private, locals may notice small groups of visitors around Medlands, Claris and Tryphena over the next few days.
