NZ’s Tandem Studios brings livestreaming to businesses during COVID-19

With a significant amount of people working from home during COVID-19 related lockdowns, there is an increasing need for secure livestream offerings.

Tandem Studios, New Zealand owned company specialising in video, live streaming and podcasting production, states as more people turn to online meetings for professional and personal use secure connections are becoming increasingly important.

During the lockdown, schools, government organisations, businesses and individual users are turning to global apps such as HouseParty and Zoom, although there are growing security concerns about such apps' vulnerability to hackers.

As a result, Tandem Studios has noted a surge in demand for its secure live streaming services. The company, that has headquarters in Christchurch and Auckland, states it is fielding inquiries throughout New Zealand for homegrown online secure meeting services.

Launching live streaming services more than five years ago, Tandem is an early pioneer of such services and has worked with different city and regional councils in New Zealand.

Tandem Studios owner Dave Dunlay says this offering was first brought about due to the Christchurch earthquakes and the need for such a service.

He says, "We lived through the Christchurch earthquake, so we had to become flexible for our business to survive. Tandem won a contract in 2011 to live stream the 18 month Canterbury Earthquake Royal Commission, which were watched by thousands of people all around the world. The videos from these hearings are still available via YouTube.

He says, "Using that knowledge and experience, we offer opportunities for our New Zealand clients to connect though live streaming and help keep their communications going as we all work through this COVID-19 lockdown.

"Our team is providing most of these services from their own home, adhering to the lock down regulations.

Specifically Tandem has been working with a number of local councils to ensure employees can still meet and make decisions during lockdown, ensuring continuity of services.

Tandem Studios is currently live streaming weekly council meetings for the Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council. Elected members login from home and members of the public can watch the meetings live online, or via video in their own time to see and hear local democracy still in action.

All the live streams are recorded and edited into smaller videos which can be found through the Council websites.

Christchurch City Council head of community support of the governance and partnerships unit John Filsell says, "We are grateful that we are able to stream the Councils meeting during these unprecedented times.

"Live streaming enables our Council to continue to make important decisions, whilst ensuring our community remains engaged and connected.

Dunlay says, "It's great for a New Zealand company to take on the global giants with their live streaming services. Tandem is offering highly customised services and they are enjoying helping Kiwis connect with Kiwis.

Tandem provides specialised live streaming options, such as in-stream chat, webinars, questions and polls, hosting private or public streaming, and registered or paid entry to access the stream. Tandem Studios was established in 1974 and has been producing content for more than 40 years.