fbpx
Print this page
Saturday, 16 June 2018 07:55

IT pioneer to inspire

Written by 
Ian Taylor. Ian Taylor.

Dunedin computer graphics pioneer Ian Taylor won’t have to travel far to give his take on how innovation, technology and teamwork can change the world and the dairy sector.

About 450 people are expected at the 2018 South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) in June at the Dunedin Town Centre. 

Taylor founded Animation Research Ltd (ARS) 30 years ago after choosing Dunedin as his home town. 

He had been a rock singer, a soldier, a law student and a TV presenter; change had been a constant. 

Animation seemed an unlikely next step, but a joint venture with Otago University’s computer science department in 1989 led to the creation of ARS and a resulting revolution in televised sport. Today ARS covers sports events worldwide and has built Formula 1 race car simulators and air traffic control simulators.

Taylor says ARS’ achievements have come from a small team who, from day one, had open minds and believed there was nothing they couldn’t do. 

“We didn’t discover the digital world; it discovered us,” he said. “Someone invented the internet and they gave us a highway to that world. We have been travelling it ever since.” 

The dairy sector will hear this and other insights when Taylor addresses the conference on June 25.

Conference chair Terry Kilday says SIDE has always been led by farmers, for farmers. “Because of this, we know what is front and centre in farmers’ minds, and tailor the event to meet these needs.

“It gives them an opportunity to hear and see cutting-edge research, technologies and farming systems from leading farmers and business people.

“It also brings together many enthusiastic people to share their experiences one-on-one and learn from each other to progress.”

More like this

SIDE 2025's new schedule, venue

Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.

Keynote speakers lined up

SIDE 2024 organisers have secured some key speakers for the event. Here are four of the keynote speakers:

Featured

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

National

Machinery & Products