Proudly Kiwi-built · Upper Hutt
The new kid on the block
Hoist is a small Upper Hutt team building workshop software for New Zealand. We started in 2023, opened to the public in April 2026, and we're still just getting going.
Our story
We got tired of watching good workshops fight their software
Everywhere we went, workshop owners told us the same thing: their software was expensive, awkward to use, and hadn't kept up with how a modern business actually runs. The options felt built for a different era.
So we started building something better - specifically for New Zealand workshops. No bloat, no inflated price tag, no runaround. We're not carrying the baggage of legacy systems or decade-old design decisions; we're building from a clean slate, with a clear focus.
We want to build the best workshop software in New Zealand. The traction we've seen already tells us we're well on our way.
Meet the team
A small Kiwi team on one mission: make workshop software businesses actually love using.
Driven by a simple goal: helping Kiwi businesses succeed. She enjoys building strong relationships and working alongside people who are passionate about what they do, and is honoured to work directly with incredible Kiwi businesses to create software that truly brings them value.
Tom Devonshire
Software Engineer
A software engineering graduate passionate about creating software that solves real-world business problems. Through Hoist, he pursues that passion by building modern, reliable, and efficient software for workshops around New Zealand.
From a clean slate to shipping every week
We didn't rush it. Here's how Hoist came to be - and where it's heading.
- 2023
We started building
After hearing the same frustrations from workshop owners everywhere we went, we set out to build something better - from a clean slate.
- Apr 2026
Doors open
Hoist launched to the public. The early response confirmed what we suspected - NZ workshops had been waiting for this.
- Today
Shipping weekly
We release improvements every week, guided by every customer conversation. This is just the beginning.
What we stand for
The principles behind every release
We're a small team, so what we choose to care about shows up in the product fast. These are the things we don't compromise on.
- 01
Customer-First
Every decision starts with the question: "How does this help workshop owners succeed?"
- 02
Simplicity
Powerful features that are easy to use. We hide complexity so you can focus on your business.
- 03
Reliability
Your business runs on this, so we build it to be dependable and we treat any downtime as a big deal.
- 04
Continuous Improvement
We ship improvements every week based on customer feedback and evolving needs.
- 05
Local Focus
Built in New Zealand, for New Zealand. We understand the Kiwi workshop environment.
- 06
Transparency
Honest pricing, public roadmap, and open communication. No surprises, ever.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Hoist and the team behind it.
Where is Hoist based?
When did Hoist launch?
Is Hoist only for New Zealand workshops?
How is Hoist different from other workshop software?
Can I try Hoist before committing?
Built in New Zealand, for New Zealand workshops
We're onboarding workshops across the country - join the shops modernising how the trade runs, backed by a team that actually answers.