SilverStripe Web Design
Silverstripe Web Design and CMS Development in NZ
NZ Digital is an Auckland-based Silverstripe agency. We design, build, and support Silverstripe CMS websites and applications for businesses and government organisations across New Zealand, including projects on the Common Web Platform (CWP). We have over 10 years of Silverstripe experience.
What Is Silverstripe and Why Use It in New Zealand?
Silverstripe is a New Zealand-built, open-source content management system (CMS) and PHP framework used to power websites, intranets, and web applications. It is widely adopted by NZ government agencies through the Common Web Platform (CWP) and by businesses that need a secure, flexible alternative to WordPress.
Silverstripe Website Design and Build
We design and build Silverstripe websites for NZ businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profits. Every project includes UX design, custom theme development, CMS configuration, and content migration.
Silverstripe Intranets and Web Applications
We build secure intranets, CRMs and custom web applications on the Silverstripe framework. The platform’s enterprise-grade architecture suits organisations that need fine-grained user permissions, audit trails and integration with internal systems.
Common Web Platform (CWP) Development
NZ Digital builds and maintains Silverstripe sites on the Common Web Platform (CWP), the New Zealand government’s official hosting and development framework. We are familiar with CWP’s security requirements, accessibility standards and the procurement process used by government agencies.
Silverstripe Migration and Upgrade
Moving from Silverstripe 3 to Silverstripe 5? Or migrating from another CMS like WordPress or Drupal? We handle Silverstripe migrations and version upgrades, including database schema updates, custom module rewrites, and theme rebuilds.
Ongoing Silverstripe Support and Maintenance
After launch, we provide ongoing SilverStripe support: security patching, version updates, performance monitoring, content edits, and new feature development. Most of our clients are on a monthly retainer.
The numbers
Why Silverstripe Is a Strong Choice for NZ Businesses and Government
Silverstripe is a free, open-source CMS and framework used to build and maintain websites and web applications. It includes a web-based admin panel with a WYSIWYG editor that lets non-technical content editors update the site without needing developer help.
Built for Editors and Developers
Silverstripe gives content editors a clean, intuitive admin panel for day-to-day updates, while giving developers a full PHP framework underneath for custom builds. Unlike off-the-shelf platforms, Silverstripe does not force you to compromise on either side. This combination makes it well-suited to complex sites where editors need autonomy and developers need flexibility: the typical profile for government, education, and enterprise projects.
Did you know
Over 6,900 New Zealand websites currently run on Silverstripe, including government agencies, councils, and businesses.
Source: trends.builtwith.com/cms/SilverStripe
Silverstripe vs WordPress:
When to Choose Silverstripe. Silverstripe suits projects that need fine-grained user permissions, custom workflows, or government-level security. WordPress suits projects that need a fast launch with a large plugin ecosystem. We build on both and recommend Silverstripe when the underlying requirements are too specific for off-the-shelf WordPress.
Common Use Cases for Silverstripe in NZ
• Government and council websites (CWP-hosted)
• Tertiary education and school sites with complex user roles
• Membership and association websites
• Internal intranets with restricted access
• Custom web applications with bespoke business logic
What Makes an NZ Digital Silverstripe Build Different
10+ Years of Silverstripe Experience
CWP and Government Project Experience
Fast, Secure, SEO-Friendly Builds (with the 80+ PageSpeed guarantee)
Expert UX DesignH3: Accurate Analytics and Conversion Tracking
Your customers are ready to engage, how will you reach them?
Or just email us at
hello@nzdigital.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions About Silverstripe in NZ
What is Silverstripe?
Silverstripe is a New Zealand-built, open-source content management system (CMS) and PHP framework used to build websites, intranets and web applications. It was founded in Wellington in 2000 and is the CMS behind the New Zealand Government’s Common Web Platform.
How much does a Silverstripe website cost in NZ?
A Silverstripe website in New Zealand typically costs between $20,000 and $150,000 depending on complexity, integrations and whether it sits on the Common Web Platform. Standard business sites sit at the lower end. CWP-hosted government sites and custom intranets sit at the top.
How long does it take to build a Silverstripe website?
A standard Silverstripe site takes 8 to 12 weeks from kick-off to launch. CWP-hosted or custom-application builds with security review, accessibility audit and third-party integrations typically run 16 to 24 weeks.
What is the Common Web Platform (CWP)?
The Common Web Platform is a shared hosting and development framework provided by the New Zealand government for use by public sector agencies. CWP sites are built on Silverstripe and follow standard accessibility, security and procurement requirements. We are an experienced CWP development partner.
Is Silverstripe better than WordPress?
Silverstripe suits projects that need fine-grained user permissions, custom workflows or government-level security. WordPress suits projects that need a fast launch with a large plugin ecosystem. We build on both and recommend the right fit based on your goals.
Can you upgrade my existing Silverstripe site?
Yes. We handle Silverstripe version upgrades, including the major upgrade from Silverstripe 3 or 4 to Silverstripe 5. The process covers database schema updates, custom module rewrites, theme rebuilds and content testing. We can also migrate sites onto the Common Web Platform.
Do I need to be in Auckland to work with you?
No. We are based in Auckland and work with Silverstripe clients across New Zealand, including government agencies, councils, and businesses in Wellington, Christchurch, and the regions. The full process: discovery, design, build, launch, and support runs online.
