Case Study: The Bank of New Zealand grows community101 into a thriving SME coworking hub with Optix

How Optix Powers Community 101 spaces

The Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) created community101, a free coworking space in Christchurch to support local SMEs after the 2011 earthquake, but needed a technology that would help members book space, connect, and stay informed. BNZ partnered with Optix and deployed the Optix experience management system through a community101-branded mobile app, leveraging features like the Community Feed to centralize communications and foster collaboration.

Optix’s solution enabled seamless bookings, push notifications, and a centralized Community Feed that integrated BNZ’s business resources and made member outreach easier for staff. Since launching in 2017 community101 has grown to 400 active members, simplified operations for the workspace team, increased event-driven engagement, and strengthened the local SME ecosystem — a clear, measurable impact delivered by Optix.

The Bank of New Zealand

Harry Ferreira

Head of Small Business