Our History
The Beginning
Independent Bridge Stationery Supplies (IBSS) started as a small business that specialised in the game of Bridge. It was setup in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1990, primarily to supply low-cost stationery to bridge clubs. The business grew steadily.
First Move
The business moved to Porirua in 1998 as dictated by a career move for Martin, who worked with computer systems in a full-time role. Steps were taken not to grow too quickly, with the support for customers being the most important aspect of the business.
BridgeNZ
IBSS re-branded as BridgeNZ (registering the company BridgeNZ (2004) Limited), extending the range of bridge accessories and resources supplied to Clubs and individuals.
Second Move
In 2006, BridgeNZ moved to Johnsonville. The increase in demand for the products and services being provided created a need to provide a bridge shop, which was open by appointment.
Third Move
In 2008, BridgeNZ moved to 63 Keith Street, WANGANUI. Developing the NZ Bridge Scoring Programme and integrating the latest table scoring devices - BridgePad!
A philosophical shift comes because we believe that Bridge will suffer heavily if we do not incorporate modern technology into our game and deliver immediate results to our clients - the players.
CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY:
BridgePad - the most advanced Electronic Table Scoring system at the time
BridgeScorer - Technology progressed to the "touch-screen" of the BridgeScorer, but still with the custom hardware restriction.
BridgeTab - FREEDOM! Jannersten Forlag, the makers of BridgeScorer wisely decided to port the product to Android and freed up the software from the binds of custom hardware. At the same time the "base Station" or "Receiver" was changed to standard wireless networking.
Now it is possible to use entry-level android devices and standard wireless networks to do your electronic scoring.
It also represents a significant reduction in cost to the clubs on previous and other available systems for electronic scoring.
NZ Scorer - Developments on the NZCBA Bridge Scorer. Support is now offered with this product - bugs are being fixed and progress is being made to implement positive changes.
Porting to SQL Server and re-writing some of the code to add features is not inexpensive, but remains a priority. BridgeNZ has invested heavily in modernising the package and adding features, and offers very high levels of support for customers as well as giving them an input into development. (Being aware that it is not possible to do all things for all people of course).
Card dealing machines - the latest Dealer 4 machines do not require barcodes on the cards. In fact the latest Dealer4+ can be run stand-alone with files on a USB memory stick for the dealing source, though this facility is not significant for many clubs as computers are so inexpensive these days.
BridgeNZ timer clock, developed by BridgeNZ and manufactured in New Zealand. This has now been depricated in favor of a web-based timer see BridgeNZ Timer
Quality playing cards and duplicate boards - suitable for club and home use. BridgeNZ supplies 100% plastic playing cards, has the agency for Piatnik cards from Austria - an elegant range of quality plastic coated playing cards in gift boxes, and stocks a wide range of Carta Mundi cards from Belgium.
Books and software for learning and enjoyment. BridgeNZ is the agent in New Zealand for Jack Bridge. Although we were long time suppliers of Bridge Baron, it has been impossible to get reliable support in recent years, so we have sadly discontinued supply of this product.
Attractive giftware for your bridge-playing friends and family.
Directing services and training sessions by arrangement.
Please browse this site for your bridge needs, and if you don't find what you seek, then please don't hesitate to e-mail or phone with your enquiry.
BridgeNZ Philosophy
The philosophy of BridgeNZ is to help EVERYONE enjoy bridge, offer the opportunity for those enjoying this mind sport to enhance their knowledge and provide support for those who support us.
