What Was the Common Web Platform (CWP NZ)?
The Common Web Platform(external link) was a government initiative launched to provide New Zealand public sector agencies with a standardised, secure, and scalable web hosting and development environment.
It was built on top of Silverstripe CMS and designed to make it easier for government agencies to deliver websites that met accessibility, security, and performance requirements without having to reinvent the wheel each time.
For years, NZ government agencies needed to have their sites on CWP. It helped improve compliance with government web standards, and gave agencies confidence in the stability of their digital platforms.
However, the CWP agreement expired in 2021 giving NZ government agencies more flexibility with how they managed their digital platforms.
Does the CWP Exist Anymore?
The simple answer is no – CWP no longer exists for the NZ public sector.
The Common Web Platform agreement has now expired, and agencies that once relied on it need to look at other options.
But this doesn’t mean agencies are left without support.
All services that were once covered under CWP are now available through the Managed Services Channel Digital Experience Services catalogue on Marketplace(external link).
This shift reflects a more modern, flexible approach, giving agencies greater choice in selecting suppliers while still ensuring that services meet government standards.
For anyone searching for CWP NZ, the key point is that the programme itself is retired, but the capability it offered is very much alive, it has just moved to a different procurement channel.
What Is Marketplace?
Marketplace is the New Zealand Government’s digital procurement platform.
It was designed to make it easier for agencies to buy the digital services they need by connecting them with approved suppliers.
Through Marketplace, agencies can access a broad range of Digital Experience Platform Services, which cover everything required to design, build, and manage a modern government website.
These services include:
- Analytics and SEO
- Application testing
- Back-end and front-end development
- Information architecture
- Visual design
- Web accessibility
Unlike the one-size-fits-all model of CWP, Marketplace allows NZ agencies to select the services and partners that best meet their needs.
This gives organisations more flexibility and encourages innovation by allowing specialist suppliers to bring their expertise to different projects.
CWP Alternative: Somar Digital Cloud
For agencies that previously relied on the Common Web Platform (CWP), Somar Digital Cloud offers a future-ready alternative for the New Zealand public sector.
Built on AWS and optimised for Silverstripe, it provides a hosting environment designed specifically for public sector needs.
Key features include:
- Affordable plans perfect for different organisation sizes
- Scalable architecture with auto-scaling to handle traffic spikes
- High security with data encryption, access controls, and regular penetration testing
- 24/7 monitoring and support for peace of mind
- Government standard compliance including accessibility and data sovereignty requirements
- Carbon emission tracking for agencies committed to sustainability
Somar Digital Cloud ensures your website is secure, reliable, and future-proof, while also being cost-effective.
Approved Marketplace Supplier
Somar Digital is an approved supplier on the New Zealand Government Marketplace, making it easy for agencies to access our expertise.
We’re approved to deliver a range of Digital Experience Services, including:
- Analytics and SEO
- Application testing
- Back-end and front-end development
- Information architecture
- Visual design
- Web accessibility reviews and implementation
Examples of Our Marketplace Projects
Here are a few examples of projects we’ve delivered as a Marketplace supplier:
Ministry of Social Development
We designed and developed two websites dedicated to family violence prevention, ensuring accessibility, clear content pathways, and a secure environment for sensitive information. Read more...
Interislander
We created a booking-focused website that delivers a seamless customer experience across desktop and mobile, balancing usability with complex back-end integrations. Read more...
CentrePort Wellington
We developed a refreshed website that highlights CentrePort’s role in New Zealand’s transport network while improving navigation and content management for staff. Read more...
Next Steps: Future-Proofing Your Website
The end of CWP is not a loss for NZ government agencies. It is a chance to create digital experiences that are more adaptable, user focused, and future ready. Marketplace gives you the freedom to choose specialist partners, modern hosting, and innovative design approaches instead of being tied to a single platform.
Now is the time to ask: does your website meet accessibility standards, make information easy to find, and have secure, scalable hosting? And do you have a partner who understands both your goals and government requirements?
Somar Digital is here to help. As an approved Marketplace supplier with deep experience in government and enterprise projects, we can guide you through the transition and set your website up for long term success. Get in touch with us today to explore your options.
