Each month, IT Works clients receive a newsletter alongside their monthly report, covering what has been happening at IT Works, across the technology landscape, and in our community. This is the September 2026 edition.
This month at a glance
- SOC 2 Type 2 and what it means for our clients
- Master Services Agreement updates, putting our security commitments in writing
- Wellington Regional Sports Awards community highlight
- The Technology and Innovation Series wraps up for 2026
- Microsoft 365 licensing update
- Microsoft Copilot, Cowork and AI conversations
- Industry insights from the wider partner community
SOC 2 Type 2: independent proof that your data is in safe hands
This month we shared something the whole IT Works team is genuinely proud of. We have completed a SOC 2 Type 2 assessment with Grant Thornton New Zealand, one of the most demanding independent examinations a technology provider can put itself through.
Here is the plain English version. An independent auditor spent six months inside our business, testing that the way we protect the systems and information our clients trust us with actually works, day after day, not just on paper. Our access controls, monitoring, governance and day-to-day operating procedures were all examined against internationally recognised standards covering Security, Availability and Confidentiality, and comfortably met the required benchmarks.
The best part is what it means for our clients. When a board, an insurer or a customer asks how their technology provider safeguards their information, IT Works clients have an independently verified answer. The services we provide to our clients are the same services we use internally to secure our own business.
SOC 2 is completely voluntary in New Zealand. We chose to open our doors to this level of scrutiny because we believe the trust our clients place in us deserves evidence, not just assurances. Curious what a SOC 2 report covers, or want to request ours? It all lives on our SOC 2 page.
Master Services Agreement: putting our promises in writing
One more thing flowing from the SOC 2 work. We have refreshed our Master Services Agreement so the commitments we make around the security, availability and confidentiality of client information are clearly written down, in plain English, and match the standards we were independently assessed against.
Over the coming months, every client will receive a simple electronic signing link. It takes about two minutes, nothing prints, and nothing about service or pricing changes. What clients get is the protection formally on paper: useful for their records, their insurer, and anyone who ever asks how their technology partner safeguards their data.
Wellington Regional Sports Awards
We were proud to once again support the Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards and celebrate the incredible achievements of athletes, coaches, volunteers and sporting organisations across our region. We were honoured to present the IT Works Rangatahi Sportsperson of the Year award.
A huge congratulations to Joe Martin, who took out the award this year for his outstanding achievements in athletics. What a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of our young athletes. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to all who support sport in our community. There is more about what we back locally on our Who we are page.
The Technology and Innovation Series wraps up for 2026
We recently wrapped up our final IT Works Technology and Innovation event for the year, in partnership with the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event attracted a fantastic turnout, with local business leaders and technology experts sharing insights on innovation, emerging technologies and the opportunities ahead for New Zealand organisations.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended throughout the year, and to the team at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support. These events have brought businesses from across our community together to learn, connect and explore how technology can support growth and success, and we look forward to continuing those conversations.
Microsoft 365 licensing update
Most month-to-month Microsoft 365 licences have now had their price increase applied. This is a pass-through cost increase from Microsoft, not an increase from IT Works. As annual committed licences come up for renewal between now and July 2027, they will transition to Microsoft’s updated pricing model. For how licensing appears on invoices, and answers to common questions, see our Microsoft 365 licensing page.
Microsoft Copilot, Cowork and AI
We are continuing to work with clients who are exploring Microsoft Copilot and Cowork to improve productivity and streamline everyday tasks. As AI tools continue to evolve, we are helping organisations understand what is available, where AI can add value, and how to adopt it safely and effectively. There is more on our approach on the AI enablement page.
Keeping connected with industry partners
Our founder Liam Brady recently spent time in Auckland at a Pax8 partner event, catching up with industry contacts and learning about the latest developments across cloud services, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Hearing what is happening across the wider IT industry helps us bring practical insights back to our team and clients.
Whether you are planning for growth, reviewing processes or exploring AI, we would love to be part of the conversation.
The IT Works Newsletter goes to our clients each month alongside their monthly report. Browse more editions on our Newsletter page.
