New Look Website for the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Association launched August 2010 For the past few months, head office staff, Michael, Sally and Janine, have been working alongside Web Element's Julia Orlova, to co-ordinate the launch of the new look NZTBA website, which officially went live on Wed 11thAugust. They are delighted with the results. The site looks bright and fresh and new initiatives include easier navigation tools and a useful search system, which will make access to specific information, both current and archived much more efficient. There is also the facility for electronic newsletters and timely information updates will encourage much closer contact between all branch members throughout NZ. An additional feature will be individual websites exclusive to each of the eight branches. Although under the umbrella of the NZTBA, each site will have its own individual domain name and will be managed separately by each branch. Waikato is the first branch to take up the initiative and will be co-ordinated by Waikato's secretary Lisa Dunbar. 'This will make my job that much easier and so much more efficient, as branch members will be able to access up to date information about events, promotions, and local news. Our site will also have a focus on our local breeding industry', she said. The Thoroughbred Breeders website has been operating since 1997 and has on average 6000 plus visitors per month and over 25,000 page views. Popular pages include the stud and stallion section as well as the services section, which includes the facility for members to sell or lease their horses. At this time of the year the employment section is also useful for studs requiring staff for seasonal employment. Workers wanting jobs can also note their interest. A vital member of the website team is journalist and thoroughbred breeder, Michelle Saba. Each week, Michelle interviews and writes about the successes of New Zealand thoroughbred breeders, often referred to by CEO Michael Martin as the 'heavy lifters' of the industry. These good news stories about the highs and lows in the life of a thoroughbred breeder are widely read, and provide encouragement to breeders still at the 'coal face', working hard to fulfil their dream to breed a 'Black Type' winner. As Winston Churchill said, "Never give up – never, never, never, never!
Since its inception in the mid 90's, the NZTBA website has undergone three 'face lifts', all designed and managed by Web Element's Russian born Julia Orlova, leading the Web Element team. Julia has been living and working in Auckland, New Zealand since 1996 and has a degree in Computer Science and Advanced Maths, plus two years of postgraduate studies. Web Element - formerly known as Fora Systems – was established in 1998. The company was rebranded to Web Element (WEL) in 2007 and has extensive experience developing websites and building specific applications for both small and large companies and official bodies across the New Zealand business sector. Thoroughbred Industry websites include Thoroughbred News, Pencarrow Stud, Haunui Farm, Windsor Park Stud, Michael Wallace Bloodstock, Brighthill Farm, Curraghmore Stud, The Oaks Stud and John Sargent Racing to name a few.
Julia spoke warmly of her work, which integrates her skill with maths and science, as well as her creative talents. "The sites have to be simple, quick, efficient, informative and easy to navigate. They also need to be pleasing and easy on the eye with a blend of the right colours and pictures to suit the brand", she said. Although a lot of Julia's time is spent in front of a computer screen, she particularly enjoys the contact she has with clients during the developmental stages. "This helps to give me a real overview of what the business aims to accomplish". Julia said her job satisfaction comes from creating a medium which can assist and enhance the potential a business has to grow and achieve their goals. "I love being able to make a difference', she said. Sally Cassels- Brown and Janine Wallace are enjoying working on the new website and were singing the praises of the Web Element team. "We value and appreciate the personal service and attention given to the NZTBA. We are thrilled with the outcome of all Julia's hard work over the past few months, the new website has been worth the wait", said Janine. The NZTBA welcomes you to their new look website – come on in and have a tour!
- Janine Wallace
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| Web Element's Julia Orlova pictured enjoying Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie |
Julia spoke warmly of her work, which integrates her skill with maths and science, as well as her creative talents. "The sites have to be simple, quick, efficient, informative and easy to navigate. They also need to be pleasing and easy on the eye with a blend of the right colours and pictures to suit the brand", she said. Although a lot of Julia's time is spent in front of a computer screen, she particularly enjoys the contact she has with clients during the developmental stages. "This helps to give me a real overview of what the business aims to accomplish". Julia said her job satisfaction comes from creating a medium which can assist and enhance the potential a business has to grow and achieve their goals. "I love being able to make a difference', she said. Sally Cassels- Brown and Janine Wallace are enjoying working on the new website and were singing the praises of the Web Element team. "We value and appreciate the personal service and attention given to the NZTBA. We are thrilled with the outcome of all Julia's hard work over the past few months, the new website has been worth the wait", said Janine. The NZTBA welcomes you to their new look website – come on in and have a tour!
- Janine Wallace
