DataSmugglers

Building digital solutions since 2001

The capability and experience to build what you need.

Based in Egmont Village, Taranaki
Remote by default for 20+ years
Keen to build more local relationships

This isn't a new way of working


For over 20 years David Colquhoun through his company DataSmugglers has been building digital solutions: government platforms, massive multiplayer games, global advertising websites, SaaS platforms, interactive installations.

When a project needs additional expertise - branding, creative direction, motion graphics, project management - DataSmugglers is a vehicle for the right people to come together and build what you need.

DataSmugglers has been operating this way since 2001. We work directly with clients on substantial projects and build relationships that last decades, not just until the project ships.


Remote-first, no unnecessary overhead. You work directly with the people building your project, not people managing them. Transparent by default: plain-language proposals, clear scope, pricing and timelines. Trade-offs are discussed in the open so there are no surprises. No outsourcing or anonymous offshore teams - the work is done by David and named collaborators you meet and talk to directly.

We prefer sustained partnerships, keeping sites alive with maintenance contracts that include room for new features.

kitmap.govt.nz

Built by David as the sole developer for Callaghan Innovation and MBIE, Kitmap highlights scientific infrastructure across Aotearoa and helps researchers connect with government facilities open to collaboration.

Live and supported under a long term maintenance agreement, with weekly improvements and new features.

SilverStripe
2024
Callaghan Innovation
MBIE
Tailwind
Flowbite

A massive multiplayer online real-time strategy (MMORTS) game, available for free on the App Store. Explore and conquer thousands of realms, build armies, and outlast your enemies in a vast, persistent world - or just enjoy raising ponies.

This game offers a unique blend of strategy and exploration, all brought to life by David, its dedicated solo developer.

2012 - 2024
Indie
MMORTS
Flash
Swift
Python

TBWA.com
TBWA Worldwide Site

The global advertising agency TBWA, known for its innovative and disruptive campaigns, commissioned a bespoke WordPress site developed over the course of a year.

The project, where David served as the sole developer, involved collaboration across six different countries and stands out as one of the most complex, with every element of the site meticulously crafted as a custom Gutenberg block.

2022
TBWA
Wordpress
Gutenberg
React
JavaScript

Want to Chat?

If you're scoping a project or not sure what you need, let's talk. No charge, no sales pitch.

david@datasmugglers.com