Custom software development for every kind of business
When off-the-shelf software forces you into workarounds, we build custom software that fits. Our Auckland team designs and builds business systems, client portals and web apps for companies in New Zealand, Australia and around the world.
- Quotation in writing
- Reviews every 2 weeks
- You own it
The problems we solve
If any of these sound like your business, we can help. We start with the problem, then build what fixes it.
No software on the market does what we actually need.
We pay for five tools and still run the business on spreadsheets.
Clients keep emailing for updates we could show them online.
Our old system is slow, and the person who built it has gone.
What we offer
We agree the exact scope in your quotation, in writing, before any work starts.
Business systems
Job management, bookings, inventory, rostering, CRM: one system built around your process.
Client and staff portals
Secure logins where clients see progress, documents and invoices, and staff do their work.
Web applications
Fast, modern web apps that run in any browser, on desktop, tablet or phone.
Legacy system replacement
Move off ageing Access databases, old desktop software and fragile spreadsheets without losing data.
SaaS product development
Have a software product idea? We have built and launched our own, and can build yours.
Support and improvements
We keep your software secure, up to date and improving after launch.
What changes for your business
Software built around the way you work, with a review every two weeks so you always know how it’s going.
Fits your process
No more workarounds. The software does things your way.
One source of truth
Everyone works from the same up-to-date information.
You own it
No per-seat licence fees forever. The code is yours.
Industries we work with
- Professional services
- Trades & construction
- Logistics
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Membership organisations
Tools and platforms we use
- .NET
- Node.js
- React
- TypeScript
- SQL Server
- PostgreSQL
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
We choose technology to suit your business, not the other way round.
How it works
Four simple steps from first conversation to launch. You always know what happens next, and what it costs.
- 1Today
Get in touch
Tell us what is costing you time or sales. A real person replies quickly.
- 230-minute call
Free scoping call
A 30-minute call to understand the problem and what a good result looks like.
- 3Agreed in writing
Your quotation
A clear quotation with scope, price and deadline, agreed in writing before any work starts.
- 4Reviews every 2 weeks
Build and launch
We build in two-week sprints with a review meeting every two weeks, so you always know how the project is going. Then we launch and hand over everything.
A review meeting every two weeks
Once the project starts, we work in two-week sprints. Every two weeks we meet with you to show working progress, answer questions and agree what comes next, so you always understand how the project is going.
How our sprints work- PlanAgree the goals for the next two weeks.
- BuildWe build and test the agreed work.
- Review meetingSee working progress and ask questions.
- AdjustYour feedback shapes the next sprint.
Helpful reading
Plain-English guides related to this service.
All articles
SoftwareCustom software vs off-the-shelf: how to decide
A simple way to decide between custom software and off-the-shelf software, comparing total cost, fit and ownership for small and growing businesses.
Read article →
BusinessSoftware quotation checklist: what to include before you sign
A software quotation checklist: the scope, price, deadline, ownership, reviews and support to check before you sign, so there are no surprises.
Read article →
SoftwareHow agile two-week sprints keep a software project on track
What agile two-week sprints are, what happens in a sprint review meeting, and why regular reviews lead to better software with fewer surprises.
Read article →
Custom software development: questions and answers
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t see yours? Ask us directly.
How much does custom software cost in NZ?
It depends on what the software needs to do. We do not publish prices because every project is different. Instead we scope it with you in a free call and send a clear quotation, agreed in writing before any work starts.
Should we build custom software or buy off the shelf?
If an existing product does 90% of what you need, buy it, and we can connect it to your other tools. Custom software makes sense when your process is what makes you different, or when you are paying for several tools that still do not fit.
How long does a custom software project take?
Small systems can be live in weeks; larger ones are delivered in stages so you get value early. We agree the timeline in the quotation and build to your deadline.
Who owns the code?
You do. Everything we build for you is yours, including the source code, designs and accounts.
Do you work with businesses outside New Zealand?
Yes. We work remotely with businesses in Australia, the UK, the US and beyond, by video call and email across time zones.
Explore our other services
Many projects combine several services, with one team and one quotation.
Software & AI
Custom software, AI and automation that take the manual work out of running your business.
- Custom software developmentSoftware built around the way your business works, for any industry.
- AI solutions & AI agentsDedicated AI agents built around your business, with a person in charge.
- Business automationConnect your apps and automate the admin that slows your team down.
- Database developmentReplace messy spreadsheets with one reliable system and clear reports.
- API integrationsConnect Xero, Shopify, your CRM and other business apps so data flows without re-typing.
Websites, e-commerce & apps
Websites, online stores and mobile apps that bring in customers and sales.
- Website designFast, professional business websites that bring in enquiries.
- Online storesOnline stores that are ready to sell, with Shopify set up and configured properly.
- Mobile app developmentiOS and Android apps for staff, field teams and customers.
Not sure what you need?
Tell us what’s costing you time or sales. In a free 30-minute call we’ll suggest the simplest fix.
Tell us about your project
Book a free 30-minute scoping call. We’ll listen, suggest the fix, and send a clear quotation in writing.
Or email us at info@dragonhill.ai- 1. Tell us the problemA real person replies quickly.
- 2. Free 30-minute callWe suggest the simplest fix.
- 3. Quotation in writingScope, price and deadline agreed first.