Complex Theory is an independent business technology consultancy located in Dunedin that specialises in helping clients explore new ideas, define strategic objectives, and execute organizational change. With a focus on leveraging technology to drive business success, Complex Theory offers consulting services to assist clients in navigating complex challenges and achieving their desired outcomes.


Explore new ideas

People, process or technology change is complex and we offer an external viewpoint to explore ideas, build a blueprint of today and a roadmap for moving forward.

Explore

Define

Define strategy

Access experience gained from enterprise scale programmes to help you quickly define and plan the change that will implement the strategy or deliver your projects.


Execute change

Pragmatic project management will enable your team to execute on time, on budget and remain focused on the business objectives.

Execute
Navigate

Darren Murray is a professional with a wealth of experience in working with IT, project, and management teams to define strategy, make critical technology decisions, and deliver projects with diverse teams and requirements.

With a proven track record of success, Darren brings valuable expertise to guide organisations through complex challenges and achieve their goals. Here are some key areas where Darren Murray's experience can make a difference:

  1. Strategy Definition: Darren has a keen understanding of how technology can drive business success. He can work with organisations to define strategic objectives, align technology initiatives with business goals, and develop a roadmap for implementation. Darren's expertise in strategic planning helps organisations make informed decisions about technology investments, prioritize initiatives, and align them with overall business strategy.

  2. Technology Decision Making: Darren has experience in evaluating and selecting technology solutions that align with organisational needs and goals. He can assess different technologies, conduct vendor evaluations, and provide recommendations on the best-fit solutions for specific requirements. Darren's expertise in technology decision making ensures that organisations make informed choices that align with their current and future business needs.

  3. Project Delivery: Darren has a proven track record in successfully delivering projects with diverse teams and requirements. He can provide project management expertise, develop project plans, and oversee project execution to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with high quality. Darren's experience in managing project teams and stakeholders helps organisations navigate complexities and achieve successful project outcomes.

  4. Team Collaboration: Darren understands the importance of collaboration within IT, project, and management teams. He can facilitate effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among team members with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Darren's experience in fostering team collaboration helps organisations build cohesive and high-performing teams that are capable of delivering complex projects.

Explore


As an external viewpoint, we can bring fresh perspectives and insights to help organisations navigate complex changes in people, process, or technology. By taking an outside-in approach, we can offer valuable perspectives that may not be apparent to internal stakeholders.We can offer alternative perspectives, challenge assumptions, and encourage creative thinking. By facilitating brainstorming sessions, conducting research, and engaging in strategic discussions, we can help organisations explore new ideas and possibilities for change.To drive effective change, it's crucial to understand the current state of the organisation. Our external viewpoint can help assess the existing people, process, and technology landscape objectively. We can conduct thorough analyses, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide an unbiased assessment of the current situation.Based on our external viewpoint and assessment of the current state, we can help organisations develop a roadmap for moving forward. This involves defining clear goals, setting realistic timelines, and identifying actionable steps to achieve desired outcomes. Our expertise can also guide organisations in selecting the most appropriate strategies, methodologies, and technologies to implement change effectively.

Define


Our experience with enterprise-scale programs can provide you with insights into best practices, lessons learned, and proven methodologies. We can apply this knowledge to define the scope, objectives, and key components of the change initiative. By identifying the critical success factors and potential challenges, we can proactively address them in the planning phase.Our understanding of the overall strategy or project goals can help you ensure that the change initiative is aligned with the broader organisational objectives. We can ensure that the change aligns with the strategic direction, goals, and priorities of the organisation. By considering the impact of the change on existing projects and initiatives, we can ensure that it is integrated seamlessly into the overall programme or project landscape.

Execute


Pragmatic project management involves setting realistic project goals, timelines, and budgets based on accurate assessments of available resources and constraints. It helps your team avoid overly optimistic plans that may lead to delays or budget overruns. By taking into consideration the practical limitations and challenges, pragmatic project management ensures that your team develops a feasible and achievable project plan.Pragmatic project management aligns the project goals with the overall business objectives. It ensures that the project team remains focused on delivering outcomes that are directly tied to the strategic priorities of the organisation. By keeping the big picture in mind, pragmatic project management helps your team prioritize tasks and deliverables that are most critical to achieving business objectives, avoiding unnecessary distractions or scope creep.Pragmatic project management encourages agile and adaptive approaches to project execution. It recognises that projects may encounter unforeseen challenges or changes in requirements, and encourages the team to be flexible and responsive. This approach allows for timely adjustments to project plans, resources, and priorities, enabling the team to proactively address issues and ensure project success.

The following terms and conditions apply between Complex Theory and its clients.1. DefinitionsThe following definitions shall have effect in interpreting this Agreement:a. “Agreement” means these Terms and Conditions and the associated Statement of Work.b. “Client” means the entity named in the Agreement.c. “Complex Theory” means Complex Theory Limited a registered, limited liability company.d. “GST” means goods and services tax in terms of the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985, at the rate prevailing at the time of the agreement.e. “Services” means any function performed by Complex Theory as set out in the Agreement with the Client.f. “Statement of Work” means the written document and integral part of the Agreement setting out the scope of the Services required by the Client.2. SupplyComplex Theory agrees to supply the Services described in the Agreement, to the Client.3. ValidityCharges quoted in the Statement of Work are valid for 30 days and shall become fixed once accepted by the Client.4. Time EstimatesUnless otherwise specified in the Statement of Work the estimated hours and estimated completion date, and any other dates set out in this Agreement represent Complex Theory’s reasonable efforts to estimate the time required to perform the Service and are provided for general planning information only. Complex Theory does not guarantee that the Service will be rendered within the timeframe, however:a. Complex Theory will provide regular progress updates of actual hours and timelines against estimate.b. Complex Theory will notify the Client as soon as practicable if the estimated hours are likely to be exceeded.c. Complex Theory will not exceed the estimated hours without the Client's written consent.5. ConfidentialityComplex Theory and the Client agree that they will keep at all times as strictly confidential any confidential information that is disclosed or provided by one party to the other. Complex Theory and the Client shall ensure that all of their respective employees, contractors and advisors are made aware of the obligations of confidentiality prior to use of the information by these persons, which shall be on a strictly need to know basis.6. Health and SafetyWhen visiting or carrying out the Services from the Client’s offices, Complex Theory shall at all times comply with the Client’s Health and Safety Policy requirements and any other reasonable instructions given by the Client’s personnel.7. Complex Theory’s Obligations.a. Complex Theory will use reasonable commercial efforts to perform the Services as described in the Statement of Work in accordance with the Agreement.b. Complex Theory may select qualified and reputable sub-contractors to perform the Services, as stated in the Statement of Work, and notify the Client in writing.8. Client’s Obligationsa. The Client shall comply with the general obligations specified below together with any specific Client obligations described in the Statement of Work, in a timely manner.b. The Client acknowledges that Complex Theory’s ability to deliver Services is dependent upon the Client's full and timely co-operation with Complex Theory, as well as the accuracy and completeness of any information and data, which the Client provides to Complex Theory. Accordingly, the Client shall:i. Provide Complex Theory with access to, and use of, all reasonably required information, data, documentation, and facilities, working space and office services in connection with performance of the Services.ii. Appoint a representative who shall provide professional and prompt liaison with Complex Theory, have the necessary expertise and authority to commit the Client, and be available to meet with Complex Theory’s representative at regular intervals to review progress and resolve any issues relating to the Services.iii. The Client shall be liable for any delays to the milestone specified in the Statement of Work caused by the Client or resulting from the Client's failure to fulfil any of its obligations. Complex Theory may, with prior notice, charge the Client for any additional charges incurred by Complex Theory as a result of such delays, and may adjust the affected delivery schedule accordingly.9. PaymentComplex Theory shall deliver an invoice for the Services to the Client at the end of each month and the Client shall pay Complex Theory for the invoice on the twentieth day of the month following the date of the invoice.Invoicing for Services – Time and Materialsa. Where the Services are charged on Time and Materials basis, Complex Theory will invoice the Client according to the hourly rates and billing periods set out in this Agreement for the actual hours worked in each billing period.Invoicing for Services – Fixed Costb. Where the Services are charged on Fixed Cost basis, Complex Theory will invoice the Client the Fixed Cost at the billing periods set out in this Agreement.All invoices are to include credits for payments or adjustments made in previous months.10. ExpensesUnless otherwise specified in this Agreement the Client will reimburse Complex Theory for:a. special or unusual expenses incurred at the Client's specific request; andb. travelling costs and agreed disbursements incurred in performing the Services.11. InterestComplex Theory reserves the right to charge interest on any outstanding invoice amounts not paid within 10 days of the due date for payment. These amounts may incur interest from that date of default until payment is made in full at the rate being the current rate charged on overdraft accounts by ASB Bank.12. Goods and Services TaxAll amounts stated in the Agreement are exclusive of GST.13. Warrantiesa. Complex Theory shall perform the Services in accordance with generally recognised commercial practices and standards. Complex Theory shall re-perform any Services not performed in accordance with the foregoing warranty, provided that Complex Theory receives written notice from the Client within 30 days after such Services were due to be performed.b. The above warranties are exclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied. Complex Theory specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.14. Limitation of Liability and Indemnitya. Complex Theory’s liability (together with their servants, agents and contractors) whether in contract, tort, under statute or otherwise, for any loss or damage to person or property, or consequential or indirect loss, or economic loss which is caused, contributed to or otherwise arises from the product or services supplied or any defect in them, or any negligent act or omissions shall be strictly limited to the value of the services supplied by Complex Theory whether under this Agreement or otherwise to a total sum equal to the amount paid by the Client to Complex Theory under the terms of each specific engagement for which there is an approved Statement of Work or Letter of Engagement.b. In particular, Complex Theory will not be liable at all for consequential or indirect loss, or economic loss including loss of profits or savings, loss of opportunities or loss of records or data, or for losses or damages claimed by third parties, unless such loss is caused by Complex Theory’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct.c. The Client agrees to indemnify Complex Theory for any liabilities, claims, losses, costs and expenses (including legal expenses) incurred by Complex Theory arising out of or in relation to the Client inappropriate use of the Services.d. The limitation of liability and the indemnity in clauses 13 a) to c) survives the termination of this Agreement.15. Terminationa. Summary Termination: Either party can end this Agreement by notice in writing to the other party (the "Termination Notice") if the other party does not fulfil any of its obligations under this Agreement and:i. the default is material and cannot be remedied; orii. the default is material and can be remedied but has not been after 20 working days from written notification of the default.b. Notwithstanding the above, either the Client or Complex Theory may terminate this agreement without any reason whatsoever by giving written notice to the other party under the following terms;i. For fixed price engagements with a contract value of $30,000 or more, 30 days’ notice in writing must be provided to the other party. Complex Theory reserves the right to charge a termination fee, which will be a minimum of 20% of the total outstanding amount due.ii. For fixed price engagements with a contract value of less than $30,000 or undertaken on a time and materials basis, 20 days’ notice in writing must be provided to the other party. Complex Theory reserves the right to charge a termination fee, which will be a minimum of 20% of the total outstanding amount due.16. Generala. The Client shall ensure that Complex Theory is made aware of and Complex Theory shall comply with any special regulations applicable prior to commencement of any Services at the Client's site.b. No Joint Venture: Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint venture, partnership or employment relationship between the parties hereto, nor shall either party have the right, power or authority to create any obligation or duty, express or implied, on behalf of the other party.c. No Assignment: Except with respect to Complex Theory’s rights regarding the use of subcontractors, neither party may assign any rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and the parties agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

This web site is owned and operated by Complex Theory Limited and will be referred to as "we", "our" and "us" in this Internet Privacy Policy. By using this site, you agree to the Internet Privacy Policy of this web site ("the web site"), which is set out on this web site page. The Internet Privacy Policy relates to the collection and use of personal information you may supply to us through your conduct on the web site.We reserve the right, at our discretion, to modify or remove portions of this Internet Privacy Policy at any time. This Internet Privacy Policy is in addition to any other terms and conditions applicable to the web site.We recognise the importance of protecting the privacy of information collected about visitors to our web site, in particular information that is capable of identifying an individual ("personal information"). This Internet Privacy Policy governs the manner in which your personal information, obtained through the web site, will be dealt with. This Internet Privacy Policy should be reviewed periodically so that you are updated on any changes. We welcome your comments and feedback.Personal Information1. Personal information about visitors to our site is collected only when knowingly and voluntarily submitted. For example, we may need to collect such information to provide you with further services or to answer or forward any requests or enquiries. It is our intention that this policy will protect your personal information from being dealt with in any way that is inconsistent with applicable privacy laws in New Zealand.Use of Information2. Personal information that visitors submit to our site is used only for the purpose for which it is submitted or for such other secondary purposes that are related to the primary purpose, unless we disclose other uses in this Internet Privacy Policy or at the time of collection. Copies of correspondence sent from the web site, that may contain personal information, are stored as archives for record-keeping and back-up purposes only.Collecting information on Registered members3. As part of registering with us, we collect personal information about you in order for you to take full advantage of our services. To do this it may be necessary for you to provide additional information to us as detailed below.Registration4. Registration is completely optional. Registration may include submitting your name, email address, address, telephone numbers, option on receiving updates and promotional material and other information. You may access this information at any time by logging in and going to your account.Disclosure5. Apart from where you have consented or disclosure is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was submitted, personal information may be disclosed in special situations where we have reason to believe that doing so is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against anyone damaging, injuring, or interfering (intentionally or unintentionally) with our rights or property, users, or anyone else who could be harmed by such activities. Also, we may disclose personal information when we believe in good faith that the law requires disclosure.6. We may engage third parties to provide you with goods or services on our behalf. In that circumstance, we may disclose your personal information to those third parties in order to meet your request for goods or services.Security7. We strive to ensure the security, integrity and privacy of personal information submitted to our sites, and we review and update our security measures in light of current technologies. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be totally secure.8. However, we will endeavour to take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information you may transmit to us or from our online products and services. Once we do receive your transmission, we will also make our best efforts to ensure its security on our systems.9. In addition, our employees and the contractors who provide services related to our information systems are obliged to respect the confidentiality of any personal information held by us. However, we will not be held responsible for events arising from unauthorised access to your personal information.Collecting Information for Users10. IP Addresses - Our web servers gather your IP address to assist with the diagnosis of problems or support issues with our services. Again, information is gathered in aggregate only and cannot be traced to an individual user.11. Cookies and Applets - We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. These cookies allow us to increase your security by storing your session ID and are a way of monitoring single user access. This aggregate, non-personal information is collated and provided to us to assist in analysing the usage of the site.Access to Information12. We will endeavour to take all reasonable steps to keep secure any information which we hold about you, and to keep this information accurate and up to date. If, at any time, you discover that information held about you is incorrect, you may contact us to have the information corrected.13. In addition, our employees and the contractors who provide services related to our information systems are obliged to respect the confidentiality of any personal information held by us.Problems or questions14. If we become aware of any ongoing concerns or problems with our web sites, we will take these issues seriously and work to address these concerns. If you have any further queries relating to our Privacy Policy, or you have a problem or complaint, please contact us.