About
Tech Centre Ltd
Tech Centre is a small specialist consultancy providing independent, vendor-neutral advisory services focused on the architecture and secure operation of OT and industrial network environments.
Based in Waikato, New Zealand, Tech Centre supports utilities and critical infrastructure organisations nationwide, working across operational environments where reliability, maintainability and security are essential.
How Tech Centre operates
The practice is led by Rob Aiken and typically delivers engagements directly, often working alongside client delivery teams and partner consultancies where required.
Where a project benefits from additional capacity or specialist implementation support, Tech Centre can bring in trusted associates who have worked together on common client engagements for many years.
This model keeps engagements focused and efficient — clients work directly with experienced architects and designers, while still having access to additional specialist support when required.
What clients can expect
- Independent, practical advice aligned to operational realities
- Clear architecture and design guidance that supports delivery and maintainability
- Structured reviews to reduce design, security and delivery risk
- Vendor-neutral recommendations, with an emphasis on fit-for-purpose solutions
Rob Aiken — Principal Consultant
Rob is an IT/OT professional with over 30 years of experience across corporate/enterprise, health, local government, and utilities (water and telecommunications) — the last 20+ years operating as an independent consultant.
Rob’s focus for the past two decades has been primarily on network and network security strategy and architecture. His involvement across a wide range of programmes and delivery initiatives has allowed him to develop the ability to hold a strategic and tactical perspective while maintaining a strong understanding of the technical details that matter during implementation and operations.
Core focus areas
- OT network architecture design and delivery
- Operational segmentation and secure integration with enterprise services
- Communications standardisation across mixed transports (WAN services, Internet VPN, private fibre, satellite, cellular PAPN, radio and DMR)
- Multi-year technology roadmaps and architecture evolution
Industry experience
- Water/wastewater utilities (including long-term utility engagements)
- Telecommunications networks and service provider environments
- Healthcare and shared services organisations
- Local government environments
Trusted associates
Tech Centre works periodically with a small number of experienced architects, engineers and delivery specialists who are engaged as subcontractors when required by scope, timeframes or delivery phases.
The skills they bring from experience within enterprise, utilities and consulting environments typically include:
- Network solution design and implementation
- OT network design and delivery support
- Delivery coordination, vendor engagement and operational handover
- Security audits and architecture reviews
- Network and security architecture design
- OT security and system architecture advisory
Additional specialist support can be arranged where required (for example, implementation resources, wireless/microwave delivery support, or operational cutover assistance).
Discuss a potential engagement
If you are planning a new operational network architecture or reviewing an existing environment, Tech Centre can provide targeted advisory support to help clarify design decisions and reduce delivery risk.