Wow what a year... We can't do a write up of 2020 without talking about the impact COVID-19 has had across the world. We appreciate how fortunate we are to live in New Zealand and to be able to continue our lives with minimal disruption. We were also fortunate that during New Zealand’s lockdown, our team was able to continue working, albeit from home, as much of our work is done remotely.

Despite the challenges of 2020, we had a number of interesting projects to work on across various sectors as well as several exciting product releases. We’re pleased to also now have a senior industrial programmer on the team which will allow us to enhance our existing range of innovations as well as develop some exciting new solutions for our clients.

The Quasar team has configured and implemented an energy management system for Argosy, one of New Zealand’s leading listed property companies. The energy management system provides energy consumption and efficiency data across Argosy's commercial property portfolio and is being rolled out across Argosy’s properties in stages with the first stage recently being handed over.

Thank you for your support in 2020.

This year, our office officially closes for the Christmas break at 4pm on Tuesday 22nd December and we reopen at 830am on Monday 11th January.

We’re thrilled to welcome Andrea Baldin to the Quasar team, as our Industrial Programmer. Andrea is responsible for supporting and enhancing our existing range of software solutions including our dedicated load control application, Quasar Control, and our suite of add-on modules for PME. He will also be responsible for continuing to develop new complementary solutions for our customers and market, as well as overseeing the development of our project engineers to expand their database and programming skills.
 
Andrea gained his Industrial IT Diploma in Italy in 1986 and started working in the industrial automation industry as a software developer. After gaining further IT qualifications, he became a IT consultant for city councils and then moved to design and develop IT solutions as well as teaching IT at the Technical Institute. Andrea relocated to Hamilton in 2013 and held various positions before his most recent role at ASB Bank. He has recently moved to Christchurch to join our team as well as follow his dream to ski in winter and ride a motor bike to the beaches in summer.
 
On weekends, Andrea can be found tramping, skiing, riding, fishing or any other outdoor activities.

We’re excited to have welcomed another face to the Quasar team – Olivier Casalta. Olivier is our new project engineer and will be responsible for developing, designing and commissioning energy and power management systems using a range of Schneider Electric products.
 
After graduating with an Engineering Degree, specialising in mechatronics, Olivier worked for Alstom (and later GE Power & Water) in Estonia, France and Algeria, where he was responsible for power plant electrical works.  After moving to Christchurch three years ago, Olivier has gained further experience with commissioning and testing building management systems for a variety of large construction projects.

In his spare time, Olivier can be found at the top of mountains, admiring the great views or at the bottom of the ocean catching ika and koura.
 
Welcome Olivier!

Dear all,
 
With the COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand changing, we wanted to give an update on our operations.

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Quasar team, Leanne Chapman, who joins us as our Finance and Operations Manager. Leanne has a wealth of experience in accounting and operations and is responsible for overseeing Quasar’s day-to-day finance and operations activities and performing financial analysis, reporting and management activities. Leanne says, "I am thrilled have joined the Quasar team and to work alongside such committed and collaborative people!"

Dear all,
 
With the alert level in New Zealand moving to Level 2, we will be returning to our office on Thursday 14th May.
 
We’ll be back at our desks and available via our usual contact methods - email, mobile and direct dial numbers plus via video calls. We’ll also be available via the main Quasar phone number.

Dear all,
 
With the alert level in New Zealand moving to Level 3 next week, we wanted to reiterate that our team continue to work as usual and are all available as we work from home.

Dear all,
 
In light of today’s developments in regards to COVID-19 and the alert level in New Zealand being raised to Level 3 (and soon Level 4), we are making further changes to the way we operate. We have already suspended all travel by our team members, as well as all face-to-face meetings with clients and suppliers and are undertaking social distancing, regular hand washing and other safety measures.